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Western Area Value Express reports ridership growth in Dexter; residents age 60+ make up majority of riders
Summary
Marie Grass, executive director of Wake Bus (Wave), told council the agency served more than 1,200 households in 2025, with 678 first-time riders; 79% of riders are 60 or older and 44% have low incomes. Council discussed funding partnerships and service metrics.
Dexter — Western Area Value Express (Wave), represented by Executive Director Marie Grass, reported ridership and service metrics to the council, emphasizing older-adult service and partnerships with local governments.
Marie Grass summarized the annual report: “on the first page you'll see just like a rider profile rightund 1,200 plus households served in 2025. Um we had 678 riders use the service the first time agencywide.” She noted that 79% of riders are 60 or older, 44% have low incomes and 65% have a disability. Door-to-door trips and a deviated fixed-route community connector that serves downtown Dexter were discussed, with downtown Dexter among the top pickup and drop-off points.
Grass reviewed funding: a majority of Wave’s funding comes from state and federal sources, with more than a quarter from partnerships with local units of government and other contracts. She said that recent county support expanded older-adult rides and funded two additional vehicles, which increased capacity. Councilors asked for clarifications on how trips are counted when riders cross municipal boundaries; Grass said the software counts both origin and destination communities for planning metrics.
The council thanked Wave for the report and asked staff to continue monitoring demand and funding arrangements.
Next steps: staff and Wave will continue to coordinate on service data and funding; Wave will update dashboard figures online once un-audited financials are finalized.
