2026-2030 Transit Development Plan

Project Background Information

Transit service in the FM Region is currently operated jointly, through agreements, by two separate municipal departments with the Cities of Fargo, North Dakota, and Moorhead, Minnesota, under the Metro Area Transit (MATBUS) banner. In 2023, MATBUS provided 1,256,514 rides, servicing Dilworth, Moorhead, Fargo, and West Fargo. Within those Cities, MATBUS services the following five (5) Colleges: North Dakota State University (NDSU) main and downtown campuses, Concordia College, Minnesota State University-Moorhead (MSUM), Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M|State), and North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS).

In addition to fixed-route service, MATBUS also provides paratransit for ADA-eligible residents who are unable to access fixed-route services. FTA regulation requires paratransit services be made available for individuals within ¾ miles of fixed-route services. Currently, paratransit service is available for $3 per ride for individuals who qualify, located within the Fargo-Moorhead urbanized area. MATBUS has been considering changing its paratransit policy to include a premium fare associated with rides outside of the ¾ mile perimeter.

Project Objective

The objective of the 2026-2030 Transit Development Plan is to develop a document that meets federal and state requirements, addresses local challenges in implementing transit service, integrates the transition to a large urban transit system, coordinates with the transit community, and provides a policy framework and vision to base decisions affecting transit for the next five years.

The Transit Development Plan update will analyze a wide range of service, capital, institutional/managerial, and financial alternatives. The study will evaluate the existing transit system in place, gauge opportunities for improved transit coordination in the region, identify the most efficient approach to meet the needs of the public, and carefully consider where transit resources should be devoted over the five-year planning period.