North Carolina Launches Statewide Rural Transit Initiative to Bridge Transportation Gaps
State launches $47 million program to bring public transit to 23 rural counties, creating new pathways to jobs and healthcare for thousands.
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA — The North Carolina Department of Transportation announced a $47 million initiative to expand public transit services across rural communities, addressing transportation barriers that have limited access to healthcare, employment, and essential services.
The Rural Transit Connectivity Program will establish new bus routes and on-demand transportation services in 23 counties, with implementation beginning this summer. Governor Roy Cooper signed the legislation authorizing the program during a ceremony at the State Transportation Building.
Addressing Critical Transportation Gaps
“For too long, rural North Carolinians have faced impossible choices between keeping medical appointments and missing work, or between grocery shopping and paying for gas,” said Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins. “This program will change that reality for thousands of families.”
The initiative targets counties where more than 15% of residents lack reliable access to personal vehicles, according to state data. Priority areas include Robeson, Scotland, Richmond, Anson, Columbus, Bladen, Sampson, Duplin, Jones, Onslow, Pender, Brunswick, Cumberland, Hoke, Moore, Montgomery, Stanly, Union, Cabarrus, Rowan, Davidson, Randolph, and Chatham counties.
Service Details and Implementation
The program will operate through partnerships between NCDOT and existing transit authorities, launching three distinct service models. Fixed-route services will connect major employment centers and healthcare facilities, while demand-response transportation will provide door-to-door service for medical appointments and essential errands.
A new intercounty connector service will link rural communities to larger urban transit networks in Charlotte, Greensboro, and Wilmington. “We’re not just adding buses,” Hopkins explained. “We’re creating pathways to opportunity.”
State officials project the program will serve approximately 2,800 passengers daily within the first year of full operation. Services will operate Monday through Saturday, with extended hours on weekdays to accommodate various work schedules.
Funding and Economic Impact
The $47 million investment combines federal rural transit grants with state matching funds and proceeds from a dedicated portion of highway use tax revenue. Legislative budget analysts estimate the program will create 340 direct employment positions across participating counties.
Local economic development officials have praised the initiative as a catalyst for business growth in underserved areas. “Transportation access is economic access,” said Maria Gonzalez, executive director of the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center. “This investment will help our rural communities compete for jobs and services that have been out of reach.”
The first phase of service launches will begin in Cumberland, Robeson, and Scotland counties in August, with remaining counties coming online through early 2027. NCDOT officials plan quarterly ridership reviews to identify opportunities for service expansion based on community needs and usage patterns.
