Moab Area Transit (MAT), the City of Moab’s public transit pilot program that provides fare-free service to residents and visitors, will begin non-peak service hours on Oct. 16. Beginning Oct. 16 and continuing through March 15, the on-demand microtransit option will be available five days a week – Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 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 will not operate during the non-peak season.
Residents and visitors can 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 available so far, from mid-March through August, MAT served a total of 29,817 passengers. Of those, 92 percent were riders utilizing the on-demand microtransit service option.
"I believe the numbers show that our first peak season was a success,” said Moab City Transit Coordinator Richard Lory. “While every one of the almost 30,000 passengers is important, many of the most inspiring stories were from people who gained some independence. By servicing our elders, youth and those with disabilities, this service has proven to be about more than just relieving traffic congestion."
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.
"I've been really happy to see how many Moab locals have utilized the MAT. Our free on-demand service is really taking off,” said Jon Gottschalk, local manager for Moab Downtowner, LLC. “We've been out there seven days a week warming hearts, blowing minds, and taking care of business."
For more information and to view the service area map, please visit moabcity.org/MAT.