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Commission adopts fare structure for Go Wake Forest microtransit, to take effect in February; board asks for six‑month review
Summary
After debate over affordability and demand management, commissioners approved a distance-based fare system for the Go Wake Forest microtransit service with an effective date in February and a board review planned within six months.
The Wake Forest Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt a tiered, distance-based fare structure for the town's Go Wake Forest microtransit service, with the new fares scheduled to take effect in February. The board also asked staff to return with a review of ridership, discount take-up and equity impacts within six months of launch.
Town staff and vendor representatives said the fares are intended both to generate revenue to acquire an additional vehicle and to manage high demand from “choice” riders so the service can meet the needs of transit-dependent residents. Jennifer (last name not specified in transcript), a town staff presenter, told commissioners the proposed system is tiered by trip distance and that most current trips (about 55%) are 0–2 miles and would fall into the lowest fare bracket.
Commissioners and members of the public raised concerns about affordability, whether discounts would match those offered by regional providers, and the communication and application process for discounted fares. Commissioner feedback led staff to confirm plans for targeted outreach to seniors and low-income riders, push notifications via the vendor's app, in-vehicle flyers and staff support for discounted-fare applications. The board agreed to implement an initial rollout but to revisit the fare structure after six months to evaluate effects and possible adjustments.
The board voted to adopt the resolution authorizing the town manager to implement the fare program; the motion passed unanimously.
Key details recorded at the meeting: - Effective date: February (listed in resolution attachment; staff confirmed an effective February 1 implementation window) - Town will seek to coordinate discount processes in the future with regional providers (GoRaleigh/GoTriangle) but said such partnerships were not in place at adoption. - Staff intends to open discounted-fare applications before launch and to monitor take-up and impacts.
The board asked for a six-month report on ridership and equity impacts after fares begin.
