City of Fargo designates late-night downtown cab and rideshare loading areas

(Fargo, ND) -- The City of Fargo is introducing designated downtown passenger loading areas for cab and rideshare users.

"You know we really feel like this is best because what it's going to do is it's going to not only disperse some of those crowds I was talking about, it's going to have congregations of people waiting for rides moved away from some of the residences we have downtown," said Fargo Police Lieutenant Bill Ahlfeldt.

He says the new policy will be enforced beginning Thursday night, August 18th. The marked pickup locations are set at 600 Northern Pacific Avenue North, 400 1st Avenue North, 600 2nd Avenue North, and 500 6th Avenue North. The designated loading areas will operate Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, year round. The hours run from 10 p.m. each night through 3:00 the following morning. Another location will be added at 200 5th Street North once exterior repair work is completed at the Radisson Blu Fargo. We're told the new policy is aimed at improving safety and reducing traffic congestion at closing time.

"Fargo Police Department officers will initially work on educating the public about the new areas to encourage proper usage. Pick-up locations include authorized cab stands for marked cabs as well as designated areas for ride share and general passenger pick-up. Cabs must be legally parked and are allowed unlimited wait time in their designated cab stand areas. Ride share and general passenger pick-up vehicles must be legally parked, remain occupied and have a 10-minute time limit in their loading zones. Drivers found in violation of this ordinance will be charged a $20 fine. Riders can continue to be dropped off at any location and at any time in the downtown area," said a police department spokesperson.