A cooperative effort by the public transit systems in the Piedmont Triad to design and implement services that attract riders by providing safe, reliable, efficient and convenient public transportation.

In 2006 discussions among the Triad transit systems and the North Carolina Department of Transportation – Public Transit Division about the need to better coordinate the delivery of transit services began. It was soon decided that a study needed to be conducted. The purpose of the study was to assess all of the system’s services and functions then identify ways of providing them more efficiently and effectively. The overall goal is to create an enhanced experience for transit riders in the Triad. The study was funded through a $300,000 grant from the North Department of Transportation awarded to PART. PART facilitated the hiring of a project manager and participated in the study with 11 fixed route, paratransit and community transportation systems from 9 counties in the area. The study began in November 2007. In August 2008 the final report was released.

After completion of the study PART coordinated presentations on the report’s findings to 16 boards, council, agencies and authorities. As a result of the presentations 15 resolutions of support were adopted. The completed study includes 54 recommendations designed to be implemented over a 5 year period.

The recommendations are designed to be implemented over a 5 to 10 year period. The overall goal is to create an enhanced experience for transit riders throughout the Triad. One of the most exciting opportunities to improve communications and help passenger navigate the 12 systems is the development of a regional call center. The call center would serve as a single resource for all information related to service schedules, fares, trip planning and demand response trip reservations.

The study also highlighted the need for the Triad to establish a dedicated funding source within three years to meet the growing demand for transit services. Possible sources include a license tag registration fee, a sales tax dedicated to transit or a transportation user fee based upon vehicle miles traveled or fuel consumption.

Current Activities

• Regional Trip Planner
  • Scheduled for deployment in Summer 2010
• Regional “Super” Pass
  • An initial meeting was held with PART, GTA, Hi tran and WSTA in November 2009.
  • PART started using GFI fareboxes in January 2010. This completed the process of getting all fixed route systems on the same farebox technology. This made the use a single fare media possible across all systems.
  • Next steps: Allow PART to use new fareboxes for a brief period to ensure they are functioning properly. Then run a test with a single fare media.
• Coordination of AVL Technology
  • Several meetings have been held and a RFP has been distributed to implement a regional Automatic Vehicle Locator system that would allow systems and potentially systems users to monitor vehicle locations. This would lead to integrating “Next Bus” information at bus stops and terminals
• Marketing Coordination
  • Marketing personnel for PART, GTA, Hi tran and WSTA are meeting on a quarterly basis.
• Coordination of Demand Response Transportation in Guilford and Randolph Counties
  • Initial meeting is scheduled for March 3rd.

Related Resources

Documents

• Final Report (PDF)
• Final Report Presentation (PDF)
• Implementation Status Report (PDF)

To submit your comments or questions, or if you would like to request information about the Seamless Mobility Plan, please contact:

Mark E. Kirstner
PART - Senior Transportation Planner
7800 Airport Center Drive, Suite 103
Greensboro, NC 27409
(336) 235-6651