The residents of Northeast Wake County now have a new way to catch a ride within their communities. Wake County has launched a regional, on-demand ride-sharing service called GoWake SmartRide NE.

The service offers same-day rides to anyone needing to get somewhere in Zebulon, Wendell, Rolesville and the surrounding unincorporated communities. Users can simply download and pull up the Uber app on their phones to request a ride within the service area on one of three rotating vans. They can also call GoWake at 919-212-7005 to schedule a ride.

“This on-demand service will provide a much-needed solution for folks who need dependable transportation,” said Wake County Board of Commissioners Chair Sig Hutchinson. “This program is just one part of our broader efforts to meet the county’s growing transportation needs, particularly in underserved areas.”

The service is free for all riders. If residents need a ride outside of the communities served, SmartRide NE will drive them to the nearest fixed-route connection stop. Like all other public transit, this new service will accommodate wheelchairs and will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Title VI Anti-discrimination Act.

The new SmartRide NE will have vans in service Monday through Friday between 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

"We're excited to be complementing Wake County's regional transportation services so riders have more flexibility to travel. Interconnecting urban, suburban and rural communities is so important for ensuring vulnerable riders can access jobs, healthcare, education and what they need in their daily lives. We're grateful to be working with Wake County's team as part of FTA's Integrated Mobility Innovation project," said Jen Shepherd, General Manager, Uber Transit. 

The service will cover residents in and around:

• Zebulon;
• Rolesville;
• Wendell;
• Riley Hill;
• Hopkins;
• Lizard Lick; and
• Eagle Hill.
   

Once a ride has been requested, riders will meet the SmartRide NE van at the closest corner to their location, which will be designated in the app. Riders will then be driven anywhere within the service area. Riders will share the van with up to 10 people who have requested a ride with a similar route.

SmartRide NE is funded through the Federal Transit Administration Integrated Mobility Innovations (IMI) Grant awarded to Wake County in 2020. GoWake SmartRide NE was one of 25 projects in 23 states to receive IMI funding. The purpose of the grant is to support innovative technologies that improve access to public transportation, increase efficiency and enhance the overall rider experience.

More information and updates for GoWake SmartRide NE can be found at wakegov.com/smartride.