GoWake Access is currently in the early phases of launching a pilot project studying the use of microtransit in the northeastern areas of Wake County. Microtransit is an on-demand service (similar to Lyft or Uber) that allows users to request same-day service from a pickup location to a specified location. The study area includes the towns of Zebulon, Rolesville, Wendell and the surrounding unincorporated areas. The project aim is to launch an on-demand service that provides residents with greater access to jobs, school, healthcare and other essential services.
These areas lack mobility options for access to regional commuter and local fixed route transit services, such as GoRaleigh and GoTriangle. Currently, GoWake Access does not have the capacity to provide same-day service or to meet the demand for next-day service.
Implementing microtransit services to this mobility-deprived area will enrich the lives of thousands of residents by connecting them with local medical providers, the regional human service center, jobs, grocery stores, pharmacies and connections with commuter services and fixed route services.
Wake County has contracted with KFH Group to conduct the study. KFH brings a wealth of knowledge in transit planning and new technologies.
Current Project Status: Phase 2
| Project Phase | Task | Est. Completion Date |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | ||
| Request for Proposal for consultant | 06/25/2020 | |
| Select Vendor | 11/04/2020 | |
| Initial Study Completed, & RFP released for operations contract | 02/01/2021 | |
| Select vendor for operations RFP | May 2021 | |
| Phase 2 | ||
| Marketing & Education for GoWake SmartRide Northeast | June 18-Sept 2021 | |
| Soft Launch of GoWake SmartRide NE | August 2021 | |
| NE Microtransit service begins | September 2021 | |
| Annual Evaluation of Recommendations | 09/01/ 2022 | |
| Final 6 months of project and determination of needed adjustments | 10/01/2022 | |
| Project complete; local decision to continue microtransit | March 2023 |
Additional Information
For questions about the Northeastern Microtransit Project, please contact Anita Davis-Haywood at anita.davis@wakegov.com or 919-623-2163.