Views - Small Urban Perspective

Public Transit's Role as a Vital Link Grows in Fargo-Moorhead

Julie Bommelman
Transit Administrator
City of Fargo

As the cities of Fargo and Moorhead continue to grow, public transportation takes on an ever-increasing role as a vital link for many residents. Meeting current demands and planning for continued growth presents a challenge for public transportation staff in both cities.

Public transportation is essential to Fargo-Moorhead's overall well-being. With increases in certain demographic groups in the area, such as elderly, disabled, and socioeconomically challenged populations, public transportation is vital to the transit dependent. Public transportation is equally important to the riders who use transit by choice, either for convenience, cost, or environmental concerns. The availability of public transportation contributes to Fargo-Moorhead's economic vitality by connecting people to goods, services, educational, and employment opportunities they require.

Public transportation is important to the recruitment and retention of employees. Employers in Fargo-Moorhead need to consider the transportation challenges their employees face and take proactive steps to assist in meeting those needs. Frequently, potential employees do not pursue employment in areas where public transportation is not available. As employers recognize, and proactively, work to reduce transportation barriers for employees, the opportunities for employment increase, benefiting both parties.

Public transportation reduces traffic congestion and alleviates parking demands. Last year, the combined Fargo-Moorhead Metro Area Transit System provided approximately 820,000 rides on the fixed-route system. In addition, close to 40,000 rides were provided on the complementary paratransit service. It is difficult to speculate on the number of vehicles removed from the roads through use of the Fargo-Moorhead public transportation system alone, but statistically, one full bus means 30-40 fewer single-occupancy cars on the road. This means in the Fargo-Moorhead area, there were potentially at least 20,000-27,000 fewer vehicles on the road in 2003.

As population shifts and grows geographically and demographically within the metropolitan area, the public transportation system must grow to meet the challenge. The benefits of the system, such as affordability, convenience, reduction of traffic, pollution and driving-related stress, are obvious. However, as the dynamics of the urban area increase, public transportation needs to be considered as the only viable connection to employment, education, medical services, and recreation for many.