FNSB Bus System

The Metropolitan Area Commuter System (MACS) is the public bus transportation system for the Fairbanks North Star Borough.

Its purpose is "to promote energy conservation, improve air quality, and reduce traffic and parking congestion, particularly downtown." 

We have put the route maps, with time schedules provided by the borough on our site. They were last updated 9/02/2008. 

Bus rides are priced lower in the winter, and UAF students and faculty ride free. All monthly passes are valid only from the 1st of one month to the last day of that month. The Fare Schedule  is included below the route maps. There are several routes, from downtown to outlying areas, including major shopping centers and the University of Alaska. The main bus depot, Transit Park, is bounded by 5th, 6th, and Cushman St. Schedules are also available at bus stops, the Borough Building, and at the Visitor Center on 1st Ave. For more information, call (907) 459-1011.

There is also Van Tran, a service for the disabled and elderly - anyone who has or applies for a valid Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) identification card. Applications can be obtained at the Transit Park or by calling (907) 459-1010. The Van Tran passes are valid only in a calendar month (from the 1st to the last day of the month) and can be used on both types of buses, but disabled passes are not valid on Van Tran.

Here are their directions for riding the bus:

HOW TO RIDE THE BUS

First look at the bus route map to determine what bus route you need to take and where that bus goes to. If the bus does not go where you need to go, determine which bus will get you there and where you can transfer from one bus to the other. For example, if you want to travel from South Cushman to the University of Alaska, you cannot get there by transferring from one bus to another. You would first take the Purple Line to the Transit Center, then transfer to either the Red Line or Blue Line to finish your trip.

Once you determine what routes you need to take, determine what time the bus comes by a location closest to your departure point. This can be determined by looking at the route schedule. First look for a location on the route that is close to your departure point. The locations can be seen across the Top of the schedule. Then go down the column of times to find a time closest to the time you want to travel. The bus will come around that time.

Make sure you have the correct fare for riding the bus. Bus drivers do not make change. Go to the road closest to you where the bus travels down and wait at a bus stop sign. Bus stop signs are usually located 2 or 3 blocks apart. Try to be at the bus stop about 5 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.This might take some practice. The bus may come a few minutes late depending on road conditions, traffic and weather.

If you have any questions about transferring buses or where to get off the bus near your destination please ask the driver. They will help make your trip as easy as possible.

Click on the link below to download a route map and schedule in PDF format.. You may want to download a Fairbanks map from our download site first. Route maps are from the borough transit page.

** Pass sold only at Peger Road Maintenance Facility or downtown Transit Center

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The Metropolitan Area Commuter System (MACS) has lots more information.

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