During the September 2, 2025, Board of County Commissioners meeting in Pender County, North Carolina, the discussion centered on the vital role of Pass Tran, the county's public transportation service. The director of transportation, Miss Gittery, presented an overview of the program's mission to eliminate transportation barriers for residents lacking access to reliable transport. This service is particularly crucial for the county's aging population and those with medical needs.

Pass Tran has made significant strides in its operations, providing over 22,000 rides in the previous fiscal year, including 2,342 rides for non-ambulatory passengers requiring wheelchair access. The service extends beyond Pender County, reaching neighboring areas such as Wilmington and Jacksonville, and recently initiated a route to Chapel Hill for Medicaid patients needing hospital visits.

Miss Gittery emphasized the importance of continued support from the county to maintain and expand these services. She outlined the need for a local match of $36,135 to secure a federal grant for administrative costs and an additional $21,200 for replacing aging vehicles. The request also included funding for two expansion vehicles to meet growing demand, as the service had to deny over 3,200 ride requests in the last fiscal year due to capacity issues.

The meeting highlighted the increasing demand for public transportation in Pender County, driven by population growth and an aging demographic. Miss Gittery noted that public transportation should be accessible to all residents, not just those with low income or medical needs. She expressed a vision for the future, including the potential for fixed routes to alleviate traffic congestion and better serve the community.

In response to questions from commissioners, Miss Gittery shared insights into the program's outreach efforts, including advertising on social media and collaborating with local agencies to raise awareness of Pass Tran's services. The commissioners expressed their appreciation for the program's impact on the community and acknowledged the importance of ensuring that transportation options are available to all residents.

As Pender County continues to grow, the discussions at this meeting underscored the critical need for robust public transportation solutions to support the community's diverse needs. The board's support for Pass Tran will be essential in addressing these challenges and enhancing mobility for all residents.