Moab Area Transit (MAT), the City of Moab’s public transit pilot program that provides fare-free service to residents and visitors, will begin peak service hours on March 16. Beginning March 16 and
continuing through Oct. 15, the on-demand microtransit option will be available daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The on-demand service provides door-to-door transportation to and from any location within the broader service area that covers much of the Moab Valley.
The MAT Main Street fixed-route service has 18 stops on Main Street from the Fairfield Inn to the south Maverik. It will run continuously from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Residents and visitors can catch the bus at any of the designated stops or utilize the on-demand service by downloading the MAT app on a mobile phone, or by calling 1-833-MAT-FREE (833-628-3733) during regular service hours.
The transit pilot program launched in mid-March and is funded through a Utah Hotspot grant administered by the Utah Department of Transportation, with additional funding from the City of Moab and Grand County.
According to data from the past year, MAT provided nearly 50,000 passenger trips, a slight increase from the first year of service.
“We want our community to be accessible to everyone. Whether someone is on foot, on a bicycle, or in a wheelchair, our transit system can continue to help more people get when they need to go,” said Alexi Lamm, director of strategic initiatives and sustainability.
Officials with Moab Downtowner, LLC, the company that operates the MAT service, said they are excited to see how quickly use of the service – especially the on-demand microtransit option, has grown.
“Whether you need a ride to the mechanic to pick up your car or need a lift to get to work, the MAT is here to help you. Don’t hesitate to call us. We are completely free to use,” said Jon Gottschalk, Operations Manager of Moab Downtowner. “I would recommend downloading the app to utilize all its features. But if you’re more old school, just save the dispatch number and call in.”
For more information and to view the service area map, please visit moabcity.org/MAT.