City Council Approves Major Transit Expansion Amid High Demand

During a recent city council meeting, discussions centered around accountability in video access, sidewalk project planning, and the successful launch of the Go Gastonia micro transit system.

Council member Peoples raised concerns regarding the accountability of the 130 individuals authorized to access city video footage. He questioned the mechanisms in place to track who retrieves video content, emphasizing the need for transparency to protect citizens and employees. The council agreed to review the current policy and consider recommendations for improvement.

In another segment, council members discussed a resolution to award contracts for sidewalk projects on New Hope Road and Cox Road, totaling over $567,000. A key concern was whether these projects would conflict with future I-85 bridge configurations. City officials assured the council that the designs would not interfere with upcoming infrastructure changes, as they have coordinated with the North Carolina Department of Transportation to ensure proper alignment.

Additionally, the council reviewed the progress of the Go Gastonia micro transit initiative, which transitioned from a fixed-route system to a more flexible service. Director of Transportation Randy Gates reported that the program, launched on July 1, 2024, has already surpassed ridership expectations. Due to this success, the council is considering an increase in funding and additional vehicles to meet the growing demand.

The meeting concluded with unanimous approval of the consent agenda, reflecting the council's commitment to addressing community needs and enhancing city services.