Holly Springs May add Microtransit Options for Growing Community Needs
With an increasing number of residents aged 55 and older, council members look to address mobility and general growth challenges in a cost-effective and sustainable way.
Holly Springs, NC, December 15, 2024 — During its December 10th Town Council workshop, microtransit emerged as a key topic in discussions about improving transportation options in Holly Springs. With a rapidly growing population, including an increasing number of residents aged 55 and older, council members underscored the importance of addressing mobility challenges cost-effectively and sustainably.
Microtransit systems—flexible, on-demand transportation options—were presented as a potential solution for connecting residents to essential services, especially in areas not served by traditional public transit. Council members emphasized the need for a phased approach, describing a “crawl, walk, run” strategy to evaluate and implement microtransit in the community. This method would allow the town to start small, assess feasibility, and build services based on demand and success.
The discussion also included details about an ongoing microtransit study, expected to be completed shortly before the town’s retreat. The study aims to comprehensively analyze costs, program options, and potential implementation challenges. Council members acknowledged the importance of reviewing the study findings to ensure any program aligns with Holly Springs’ specific needs and available resources. The results will include key data on the programs that could address the town’s unique transit demands while considering financial and operational feasibility.
Given the study’s completion timeline, council members suggested postponing a deeper discussion of microtransit until staff has reviewed and thoroughly digested all findings. This would allow the council and town officials to make informed decisions based on solid data.
As Holly Springs continues to grow, microtransit offers a promising path toward meeting the evolving transportation needs of its residents, fostering inclusivity, and strengthening the town’s infrastructure for the future. With the study nearing completion, the town is well-positioned to take its first steps toward implementing an innovative and impactful transportation solution.