Gastonia looking for public feedback on micro-transit fares

Gastonia is seeking public input on an increase in public transportation fare that is scheduled to go into effect with the new microtransit system on July 1.

The city will host a public hearing on the increase at the regular City Council meeting which begins at 6 p.m. on May 7, and will be held at Gastonia’s City Hall, located at 181 S. South St.

At a regular meeting in January, the Gastonia City Council voted unanimously to approve a transition from fixed bus routes to a public micro-transit system.

Gastonia’s Department of Transportation Director Randi Gates said at the January meeting that the change would improve the city’s public transportation system in several ways including timeliness, cost, and even safety.

The micro-transit system functions similarly to privately owned micro-transit options like Uber or Lyft.

Users will schedule a ride online and can expect the driver to pick them up 15 minutes after the scheduled pick-up time.

According to Gates, the new system will cut up to two hours from the typical wait times of Gastonia’s public transit users.

ADA accessible cars will also be available, and children accompanied by a parent will be able to use the service while safely riding in a car seat.

Overall the new system will be less costly for the city than the current fixed-route bus system, according to information presented by Gates at the January meeting.

However, the fare to use the micro-transit system will be slightly higher than the fare to utilize the current bus system.

Fare costs for users will increase from the current $1.25 per ride to $2 per ride for most users and $1 per ride for elderly or handicapped users. Those interested in commenting on the proposed fare increase are encouraged to sign up to speak at the public hearing just before the meeting on May 7, to email Randi.Gates@Gastonianc.gov, or fill out an online survey that is available on the City of Gastonia Government Facebook page.

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Gastonia looking for public feedback on micro-transit fares