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Go Wake Forest microtransit marks 1st year; VIA proposes fares, discounts to expand service
Summary
VIA and town staff reviewed the first year of Go Wake Forest microtransit (90,000+ rides, 30.4 boardings/hour), outlined unmet demand during peaks and proposed distance-based fares with discounts for seniors, riders with disabilities and low-income households to generate revenue and add vehicle capacity.
Representatives from VIA reviewed the first year of the Go Wake Forest microtransit service and proposed introducing fares to generate revenue for additional fleet capacity and to reduce unmet demand during peak times. VIA reported more than 90,000 cumulative rides in the first year, a current boarding rate of 30.4 boardings per vehicle-hour and an estimated cost per ride of about $15.50 under the current model.
Why it matters: Rapid ridership growth has produced unmet demand in peak periods (VIA reported met demand below target levels and rider requests being denied during busy times). VIA estimated that roughly $300,000 in net annual fare revenue could fund roughly one additional vehicle and increase served rides by about 350 per week.
Fare proposal and equity measures: VIA discussed a distance-based fare structure (0–2 miles, 2–4 miles, 4+ miles) to discourage lengthy trips that consume disproportionate vehicle hours (the 7% of rides over 4 miles account for about 15% of vehicle hours). VIA proposed discounts for three vulnerable groups — seniors (65+), riders with disabilities and low-income riders — with an eligibility verification process handled by town staff and annual requalification. VIA recommended free rides for children 12 and under and said staff could set eligibility thresholds in line with area AMI (they discussed 30% AMI as a potential threshold for low-income discounts).
Operational and equity questions: Council members asked whether the service reduced traffic (VIA said 60% of rides are shared, which reduces vehicle miles compared with private trips), whether hotspots exist that could be served by a larger shuttle, and how payments would be accepted (credit/debit in-app, town hall pass sales or phone payments). VIA said it would support cashless payments but could accommodate in-person pass sales for riders who cannot pay electronically.
Direction from the council: Commissioners indicated support for planning for fares and asked staff to develop program details, discount eligibility definitions and AMI-based thresholds. No formal vote was recorded; VIA and staff will return with specific fare recommendations and equity provisions for future council consideration.
