Fayetteville transit reports modest ridership gains, advances electric buses and cashless fare plan
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Summary
Transit advisors reported a 2% increase in fixed‑route ridership year‑over‑year and progress on electric buses, charging stations and a feasibility study for cashless fares and a West Fayetteville facility; council unanimously approved FAST 2026 public transportation safety plan.
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — City transit and the Fayetteville Area System of Transit (FAST) briefed Council on Feb. 9 about modest ridership increases, an aging vehicle fleet replacement plan, the transition to cashless fares and the feasibility study for a new facility in West Fayetteville.
Austin Campbell, chair of the Fayetteville Transit Committee, said fixed‑route ridership was up about 2 percent overall year‑over‑year and that an express route in western Fayetteville showed a 3 percent gain. He summarized fleet status — dozens of vehicles past their useful life — and said a recently awarded competitive grant and ongoing apportionment funding will support vehicle replacement.
On electrification and fares: Staff reported delivery of battery electric buses and charging stations, procurement of a bus lift capable of servicing electric vehicles, and a near‑final vendor selection for a cashless fare payment system that will support app, contactless and reloadable smart card payments while retaining cash options during transition. Transit staff said a feasibility study due shortly will guide expansion and regionalization options and that adding capacity will require a new facility at Grove Street or a West Fayetteville hub.
Council action: Council unanimously approved the FAST 2026 public transportation safety plan as presented and urged continued prioritization of transit investments during budget planning.
