Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Microtransit topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Garner to study microtransit with 60‑day feasibility contract with Via
Summary
Council heard a briefing on a 60‑day feasibility study contracted to Via Mobility LLC to evaluate microtransit service models, possible connections to the BRT corridor and VA Medical Center, funding scenarios, and community workshops beginning Aug. 11.
Planning Director Jeff Triesenberg and consultant Julian told the council on Aug. 4 that the town has contracted Via Mobility LLC for a 60‑day feasibility study to evaluate whether microtransit can expand access to the region’s fixed‑route transit, reach the VA Medical Center and major employers, and serve lower‑density Garner neighborhoods.
Jeff Triesenberg described service options — door‑to‑door, node‑to‑node and corner‑to‑corner — and said the study will assess accessibility, vehicle types, service boundaries and connections to existing routes. "Can microtransit improve, our community's access to the BRT and specifically to that Southern corridor... ?" he asked while outlining core goals to strengthen connections to Route 20 and Route 7.
Consultant Julian said Via was chosen for its qualifications and price and that the contract calls for three workshops (first scheduled Aug. 11), stakeholder listening sessions and a short summary memo with a specific recommendation at the end of the 60 days. Julian described the stakeholder plan as six sessions of roughly four participants each to fact‑check ridership assumptions and trip patterns.
Council members discussed funding models, pilot windows, fare approaches and the importance of data collection and community surveys to avoid missing perspectives. No decision was required; council endorsed the informational briefing and staff’s plan to return with study results.
