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Mebane officials outline proposed fare-free pilot circulator from Orange County
Summary
Mayor Hooks said Orange County Public Transit is proposing a one-year, fare-free pilot circulator in Mebane that would loop key local stops and preserve regional connections; the county board is scheduled to consider it in March and a spring 2026 start is possible if approved.
Mayor Hooks described a proposed partnership with Orange County Public Transit and Link Transit to provide a one-year pilot circulator route that would operate fare-free in parts of Mebane.
Hooksaid the route would be a modification of the existing Orange'Alamance connector, circulating through town while maintaining connections to Efland and Hillsborough. The loop would serve local stops including Cone Health, Oak Manor Market, the Mebbetts Arts and Community Center and Walmart, allowing residents to travel locally and retain regional links.
Mayor Hooks said the council began exploring expanded public transit in September 2023 and approved local match funding in September 2024 to extend Link Transit's orange route. The Orange County Board of Commissioners is expected to hold a public hearing in March; if approved, the pilot could begin as early as spring 2026. Officials said the pilot would allow the city and transit partners to evaluate ridership, stop locations and long'term funding before any permanent service is launched.
Mayor Hooks framed the plan as part of the council's efforts to expand transportation options for residents, and she encouraged residents to follow the Orange County process for the public hearing and any opportunities to comment.
