Capital Area MPO recommends microtransit pilot for northern Harnett; commissioners to consider endorsement next week

The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) presented findings and recommendations from a North Harnett transit study during the Harnett County Board of Commissioners work session on May 13, recommending a phased microtransit pilot focused on a central corridor between Lillington and Coats and regional connections to fixed‑route services in Wake County.

Why it matters: Study authors and CAMPO staff said a microtransit pilot could increase mobility in low‑density northern Harnett neighborhoods, improve regional connectivity to employment and medical centers in Wake County and generate ridership data to inform longer‑range planning.

What CAMPO presented - Study scope and method: Shelby Powell of the Capital Area MPO said the study (started in 2023, consultant: WSP) analyzed population density, trip patterns (using anonymized cell‑data aggregation), HARTS trip demand, socioeconomic indicators and public engagement. The study area covered CAMPO’s boundary within Harnett County and focused on the central core between Lillington and Coats that emerged from the analysis. - Public engagement: CAMPO reported multiple outreach rounds, community events and an online survey with about 540 respondents; 69% of respondents in the second engagement phase said the recommended microtransit option matched their needs, 20% said they needed more information, and 11% opposed it. - Recommended service model: CAMPO recommended a software‑as‑a‑service microtransit pilot (app and web booking plus a staffed call center) that would operate curb‑to‑curb within a dashed service area and connect to a set of external hubs (purple squares in the study maps). CAMPO advised using existing HARTS vehicles and staff for a pilot to limit startup cost and to explore funding options, including state pilot grants and local funds. - Cost and phasing: CAMPO said a 3–5 vehicle pilot could cost about $0.5 million to nearly $1.0 million annually in operating funds, depending on vehicle count and hours. CAMPO recommended a pre‑pilot implementation study, a 12–18 month pilot and, after evaluation, a transition plan to a sustainable funding source.

Questions and county discussion Commissioners asked about whether CAMPO could provide operating dollars (it does not; CAMPO is a planning organization), technology costs, coordination with the Fayetteville Area MPO (FAMPO) for the southern county, ADA and senior access without smartphones, safety measures, wait times and how microtransit would interact with existing HARTS services. CAMPO recommended a call center for riders without smartphones, driver training and scheduling aligned with connecting fixed‑route services to reduce the risk of stranded riders.

Board action County staff (Barry Blevins and HARTS representatives) said potential local grants (including a Golden Leaf community‑based initiative) and HARTS’ existing equipment could reduce startup costs. Commissioners agreed to add CAMPO’s recommendation to the consent agenda for the next board meeting for endorsement (a preliminary endorsement for use in the MPO’s metropolitan transportation plan), not to commit county operating funds immediately.

Ending CAMPO will finalize written reports and technical memos; CAMPO and county staff suggested a possible joint implementation study with FAMPO after the Fayetteville MPO completes its southern‑county review. The board will consider formal endorsement on the consent agenda at the next meeting and could direct staff to pursue implementation planning and grant opportunities.