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Craven County to pilot Greenville express with $400,000 state grant; fare to rise to $20
Summary
Craven County approved a $400,000 NCDOT-funded pilot to run a Greenville express bus service and agreed to raise the one-way fare from $5 to $20; board set related public hearings and called for intercounty memoranda of understanding.
Craven County commissioners voted to accept a $400,000 state concept grant to launch a pilot Greenville express bus service and approved a related budget amendment and fare change.
Deanna Treble, speaking for CARTS, told the board that "funding in the amount of $400,000 has been approved, which includes 274,000 for operating expenses and a 125,500 for a bus replacement." She said the project would start with trips to Greenville three days a week and could increase to five days, coordinating pickup points at the New Bern Mall and other hubs.
The board approved a staff request to change the Greenville passenger fare from $5 one-way to $20 one-way. Treble said the higher fare is consistent with comparable long-distance services and that fares will be collected to maximize grant funding; she also said a memorandum of understanding will be required among Craven, Onslow and Carteret counties before service begins.
The vote also set a public hearing and required outreach to partners and medical facilities to publicize the service. CARTS staff described the Greenville express as a pilot and said they will monitor ridership, operational costs and coordination with neighboring systems.
Why it matters: The service aims to fill an identified mobility gap for medical and necessity trips between Craven County and Greenville while using state funding to cover capital and operating costs. The fare increase reduces the county's potential subsidy per passenger but could affect affordability for some riders.
What’s next: The board authorized acceptance of the grant and the budget amendment; staff will develop the MOU with partner counties and begin public outreach and scheduling before launch.
