Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transit topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves 2026–2030 Fargo‑Moorhead Transit Development Plan; implementation steps set for 2027
Summary
MetroCOG and MAP Bus presented a five‑year Transit Development Plan; council approved the resolution Nov. 24. Presenters said the plan keeps many existing services while proposing route refinements in Moorhead (including changes to Route 3 and new route 6 variants), with implementation expected in 2027 or later.
Representatives from the Fargo‑Moorhead Metropolitan Council of Governments (MetroCOG) and consultant Bolton & Menk presented the draft 2026–2030 Transit Development Plan to Moorhead City Council on Nov. 24 and asked the council to approve a resolution supporting final adoption.
Adam Altenberg of MetroCOG explained the plan is a federally and state‑required five‑year strategy that assesses existing transit operations, identifies community needs, and proposes goals, performance measures and implementation strategies for the MAP Bus system. Consultant engagement lead Blue Weber summarized a 16‑month development process that included a study review committee, public open houses, pop‑ups, surveys and focus groups.
Weber said public feedback showed residents generally value the current system’s timing and connections; the preferred service plan suggested targeted route refinements rather than sweeping changes. For Moorhead, the plan highlights route 3 adjustments to better serve the southern area and Moorhead High School and describes route 4, 6 and 9 coordination; the plan includes options such as bidirectional routing and interlining to reduce transfers.
Map Bus staff (Cole Swinging) told council that although budgets for 2026 are set, the first implementation steps would be considered for 2027 and that local committees (Map Bus coordination committee) will inform what and when elements are put into service.
Councilmembers thanked the teams for outreach and thorough analysis and asked how residents can provide further feedback; presenters said committee meetings and posted committee membership lists are the routes to provide input. The council then moved and approved a resolution supporting the 2026–2030 Transit Development Plan on a roll call vote recorded by the clerk.
The MetroCOG policy committee is expected to take final action on the plan in December per the presenters' timeline.
