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Residents urge expanded paratransit hours, shelters and sidewalks; council to follow up
Summary
A High Point resident with epilepsy urged the council to extend paratransit hours and add drivers; another speaker asked for benches, shelters, trash cans and more sidewalks near bus stops and schools. Councilmembers said staff will follow up.
Two speakers during public comment urged the council to improve transportation access and transit amenities in High Point.
Matthew Stafford, who identified himself as a Ward 4 resident and said he cannot drive because of epilepsy, asked the council to extend paratransit hours and hire more drivers. Stafford said paratransit service currently runs only “till 2 or 03:00,” and that that schedule, combined with limited driver availability, constrains employment opportunities for people with disabilities. He also referenced the Americans with Disabilities Act as underpinning requests for reasonable accommodations in employment.
Beverly Jo Bard told the council she supports Stafford’s request and asked the city to add benches, modest covers, and trash cans at bus stops, and to expand sidewalks and connectivity—especially near public schools and parks—to make walking and transit access safer for children and families.
Councilmember Harmon responded that staff would follow up on the transit concerns; Harmon said the issue of public transit had been discussed earlier that day and pledged further conversation with staff. No formal council action was taken at the meeting; councilmembers encouraged the speakers and noted staff engagement would continue.
