ribbon feed system for a matrix printer utilizes metering rollers (44,46) located on the printhead carrier (18) to maintain a substantially zero ribbon velocity relative to the receiving medium (12) with an on-carrier ribbon feed. By coordinating roller rotation with carrier motion, relative motion that would tend to cause smearing during mark formation is avoided. For printers that inject current into the ribbon to cause printing, friction drag is reduced and tension control is simplified by collecting current at the metering rollers for return to the printhead energizing circuitry. Such dual use of the metering rollers takes advantage of the firm intimate contact that exists for metering to establish a high quality electrical connection.