Fargo commission approves MAT Bus cash fare increases; route service changes remain under review after public outcry

The Fargo City Commission voted to approve proposed cash-fare increases and a simplified fare structure for MAT Bus on Sept. 2, 2025, while holding separate public hearings on proposed route and service reductions that will return to the commission for action on Sept. 15.

City transit staff and the MAT Bus coordination committee recommended raising adult cash fares and creating a 7‑day pass, saying the change would simplify fares and help offset rising operating costs. The transit presentation estimated the change, after an assumed 10 percent ridership decline, would increase revenue by about $196,000.

Julie Bowman, MAT Bus staff, said the proposal would target cash fares that have not been raised since 2009 and would add a 7‑day pass. “Cash fares we have not increased since 02/2009, so that was 1 1 of the recommendations they made,” Bowman said, noting the state provided an additional $424,637 for this year and next.

The commission approved the fare adjustments by roll call. Commissioners voting in the affirmative were Mark Strand, Michael Kolpak, Brenda Pepcorn, Mary Thunberg and Mayor Mahoney.

The commission did not act on a separate set of proposed route and schedule reductions. Transit staff described proposed changes to multiple routes, including reduced frequency on Routes 13 and 14, an adjustment to Route 15’s cycle time, proposed elimination of Route 16, a shortening of Route 18 to end at 30th Street/Essentia, a frequency change to Route 20, and re-routing Route 24 to serve a different transfer point. Staff said some changes have little to no immediate cost, others are tied to each other, and that the full slate of service changes is assumed in the 2026 transit budget; formal approval of individual route adjustments is scheduled for the commission’s Sept. 15 meeting.

Public commenters at the hearing urged the commission to reject service reductions or to pair any fare increase with restored or increased frequency. Riders and business employees described reliance on routes that staff proposed to shorten or eliminate. Quincy Tullock, who identified himself as a MAT Bus consumer and NDSU student, said, “fare increases and route decreases at the same time have historically led a negative spiral for transit systems,” warning that combined cuts could reduce ridership more than staff modeling anticipates.

Other speakers described specific impacts: Robert Rollins and several employees who work at Walmart and other South Fargo employers said eliminating the southern portion of Route 18 would remove the only public transit connection serving those locations. Amy Benson and multiple commenters emphasized safety and winter-weather protection at transfer points if West Acres is no longer used as a hub.

Transit staff said West Acres asked the system to leave the mall hub and that moving the hub to the Walmart shelter was proposed in response to that request and other operational considerations. Staff also said paratransit service — required by ADA to be provided where fixed routes operate — would be affected by any fixed-route decisions and that a separate proposal would eliminate Sunday paratransit (where no fixed-route service currently exists).

The commission’s vote approves the fare changes only. Staff will return Sept. 15 with motions on individual route adjustments and final language of the fare ordinance. Commissioners and staff said they will continue outreach with partner agencies and riders ahead of that date.