Microtransit in Motion: Centralina’s Blueprint for Smarter Mobility 

On September 9, Centralina Regional Council hosted an insightful webinar titled Microtransit: Making Mobility Work, spotlighting the growing role of microtransit in transforming public transportation across our region. With panelists from GoGastonia, CATS Micro and SouthPark Community Partners, the event offered a deep dive into how communities are planning, launching and scaling microtransit services to meet evolving mobility needs. 

What Is Microtransit?  

Microtransit is a flexible, tech-enabled public transportation option that functions like a rideshare service. It’s designed to complement traditional transit by offering first- and last-mile connections and serving areas where fixed-route transit may not be viable, especially in rural or lower-density communities. 

Key Takeaways from the Webinar  

Panelists shared valuable lessons and strategies for successful microtransit implementation: 

• Community-Centered Planning: Understanding local transportation needs is essential. Each microtransit model should reflect the unique characteristics of the community it serves. 

• Flexible Service Models: Some communities choose turnkey providers, while others prefer to own and operate their vehicles with tech support from partners. 

• Diverse Trip Purposes: Riders use microtransit for commuting, connecting to bus routes and accessing shopping and medical services. Demand continues to grow across all services. 

Looking Ahead  

Microtransit is gaining traction as a practical solution for expanding mobility options. Centralina is committed to supporting communities through its CONNECT Centralina program, offering resources and educational opportunities to help local leaders explore and implement microtransit in their communities. 

Centralina members may review the webinar in our member portal.