M.A.T.S Transportation
A source of transportation for our citizens in need of an alternative source of mobility.
The Mountain Area Transportation System, commonly referred to as MATS, provides public transportation for citizens within the five county regions of Gilmer, Gordon, Fannin, Pickens and Murray.
MATS operates on a non-fixed route, taking passengers to their requested destinations. We work to accommodate all passengers and our vehicles are equipped to aid individuals with disabilities.
Because we specifically tailor our routes to meet our passengers needs, we ask you call 24-hours in advance to book your transportation appointment. At times, same day service may be possible. It just all depends on each day-to-day activity and availability.
Please note, you must call to book your appointment; emails will not be acknowledged.
Transit information is available in alternate accessible formats upon request. This includes large print, braille, audio, or other formats to accommodate individuals with disabilities.
To request information in an accessible format, please contact:
Ruth Ann Waters, ADA Coordinator
706-692-5644
We will need the following information to book your appointment:
First & Last Name
Callback Number
Pickup Address
Destination Address
Appointment Time & Day
~Our fares are straight-forward and reasonable~
General Fare Box Rates:
$2.00 One-way for trips up to 10 miles
$3.00 One-way for trips greater than 10 miles
For further information on this service, please contact the local transportation office in your area.
Gilmer County: (706) 276.6287 Alternate: 711 (Georgia Relay) Hours of operation: M-F 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Fannin County: (706) 632.7203 Alternate: 711 (Georgia Relay) Hours of operation: M-F 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Pickens County: (706) 692.3252 Alternate: 711 (Georgia Relay) Hours of operation: M-F 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Gordon County: (706) 602.0852 Alternate: 711 (Georgia Relay) Hours of operation: M-F 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Murray County: (706) 695.5161 Alternate: 711 (Georgia Relay) Hours of Operation: M-F 7 a.m. - 4:30pm
MATS operates Monday through Friday, alongside the existing hours-per-county listing.
Buses do not run on the following holidays:
New Year's Eve & New Years Day
Columbus Day
Martin Luther King or President's Day
Veterans Day
Memorial Day
Thanksgiving Day & the day after Thanksgiving Day
Independence Day
Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
Labor Day
MATS No-Show Policy:
To ensure efficient and reliable service for all riders, M.A.T.S Transportation requires advance notice for any trip cancellations.
Definition of a No-Show
A “no-show” occurs when a rider:
Fails to be ready at the scheduled pickup time, or
Cancels a trip without providing adequate notice
Cancellation Requirement
Riders must cancel scheduled trips at least 24 hours in advance whenever possible. Same-day cancellations should be made as early as possible.
No-Show Consequences
Repeated no-shows may result in temporary suspension of transportation services
Riders may be required to meet with program staff before services resume
Chronic no-shows may lead to permanent service restrictions
Grace Period
Drivers will wait up to 5 minutes past the scheduled pickup time. If the rider is not ready, the trip may be recorded as a no-show.
Emergency Exceptions
M.A.T.S understands that emergencies happen. Exceptions may be made for:
Medical emergencies
Severe weather conditions
Other unforeseen circumstances (case-by-case review)
Passenger Rules:
To ensure a safe, respectful, and comfortable experience for all riders and drivers, passengers using M.A.T.S Transportation are required to follow the rules outlined below.
Food, Drink, and Smoking
Eating, drinking, and smoking (including vaping) are not permitted on vehicles at any time
Seatbelt Requirement
All passengers must wear a seatbelt at all times while the vehicle is in motion
Passengers who refuse to wear a seatbelt may be denied service
Child Safety / Car Seats
Children must be secured in an age- and size-appropriate car seat or booster seat, in accordance with state law
The parent or guardian is responsible for providing and properly installing the car seat
Animals
Pets are not allowed on vehicles
Service animals are permitted in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act
Passenger Conduct
Passengers are expected to:
Treat drivers and other passengers with respect and courtesy
Follow all driver instructions
Refrain from disruptive, abusive, or unsafe behavior
Grounds for Denial or Suspension of Service
Service may be refused or suspended for:
Failure to follow passenger rules
Unsafe or threatening behavior
Harassment or abuse of drivers or other passengers
Illegal activity
Repeated violations of program policies
Personal Belongings
Passengers are responsible for their personal items
M.A.T.S Transportation is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged belongings
Reasonable Modifications & ADA Coordination:
M.A.T.S Transportation provides reasonable modifications to its programs, policies, and procedures to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to services, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and 49 CFR § 37.169(c)(1)–(3).
Requests for reasonable modifications may be made:
In advance when scheduling transportation, or
At the time of service
M.A.T.S will consider all requests on a case-by-case basis and will grant them whenever possible, unless doing so would fundamentally alter the nature of the service or create a direct threat to the health or safety of others.
Transit information is available in alternate accessible formats upon request. This includes large print, braille, audio, or other formats to accommodate individuals with disabilities.
To request information in an accessible format, please contact:
Ruth Ann Waters, ADA Coordinator
706-692-5644
ADA Complaint Process:
M.A.T.S Transportation is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any program or service on the basis of disability, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
How to File a Complaint
A complaint may be filed within 60 days of the alleged incident using any of the following methods:
In writing (mail or email, if applicable)
By phone
In person
Please contact:
Ruth Ann Waters, ADA Coordinator
706-692-5644
Investigation Process
All complaints will be promptly and thoroughly investigated
M.A.T.S may request additional information from the complainant if needed
Investigations will typically be completed within 30 days of receiving the complaint
Notification of Outcome
The complainant will be notified in writing of the results of the investigation
If a delay occurs, the complainant will be informed of the revised timeline
Appeals Process
If the complainant is not satisfied with the decision, an appeal may be filed within 30 days of the determination
Appeals should be submitted in writing and will be reviewed by appropriate M.A.T.S leadership
A final decision will be provided in writing
Right to Escalate
A complainant has the right to file a complaint directly with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA):
Federal Transit Administration Office of Civil Rights
888-446-4511
Title VI Notice & Complaints:
Title VI Notice
M.A.T.S Transportation complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.
Title VI Coordinator, Ruth Ann Waters
706-692-5644
How to File a Complaint:
Complaints may be submitted in writing, by phone, or in person to the Title VI Coordinator.
File a complaint with the Title VI Coordinator (in writing, phone, or in person).
M.A.T.S investigates complaints promptly, typically within 30 days.
The complainant is notified in writing of the outcome.
Appeals can be submitted within 30 days of the determination.
Complaints may be escalated to the FTA Office of Civil Rights (see mailing address below).
Escalation Option:
Complaints may also be submitted to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Office of Civil Rights:
East Building, 5th Floor-TCR, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20590
