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Monroe to study on‑demand microtransit; staff directed to explore county partnerships ahead of retreat
Summary
Council heard a presentation from planning staff about on‑demand microtransit, heard feasibility and funding considerations, and voted to discuss the item at its Sept. 16 retreat while asking staff to reach out to Union County and other municipalities about partnerships.
City planning staff presented on on‑demand microtransit on Aug. 12 and council unanimously agreed to continue work through a feasibility and outreach process, with more discussion at the council’s Sept. 16 retreat.
Lisa Stauwinder, director of Planning and Development, told the council the city’s transportation staff researched microtransit models, benefits and challenges and reviewed programs in North Carolina. Stauwinder said microtransit uses small vans or shuttles with dynamic routing and scheduling to match real‑time rider demand and that many North Carolina programs relied on state and federal grants and on turnkey vendor models.
Stauwinder told council a typical feasibility study examines market and service analysis, funding mechanisms, capital and operating costs, public and stakeholder engagement and procurement recommendations. She said the city’s on‑call transportation consultant estimated a feasibility study would cost between $120,000 and $165,000 depending on scope.
Council members discussed local workforce transportation needs and existing paratransit services provided at the county level. Several members suggested the study should explore partnerships with Union County and other municipalities and consider hybrid models that support both paratransit and workforce routes.
Council voted to place a fuller discussion on the Sept. 16 retreat agenda and to direct staff to reach out to Union County and neighboring municipalities to seek potential partnerships and information before the retreat. Stauwinder reminded council the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) has a discretionary planning fund with a call that opens in August and a deadline of Oct. 31; CRTPO awards funds in February and release funding in summer 2026. Stauwinder said CRTPO grants are reimbursable and typically require a 20% local match.
Ending: Council did not authorize immediate procurement; instead it directed staff outreach and scheduled a comprehensive retreat discussion in September to decide whether to pursue a feasibility study and potential grant funding.
