Community Engagement Opportunities
To create a shared vision for future transit in North Harnett, the study involves a robust stakeholder and public engagement process. In phase 1, we gathered public input on the desire and demand for transit in the study area and feedback on potential transit solutions to meet those demands.
Now, in phase 2, we are sharing the recommendation – microtransit with regional connections. Public input on the study's recommendation was collected through various methods like pop-up events, a comment form, and educational materials to reach the diverse community in the area.
Engagement Goals
The study set goals to measure the success of public engagement efforts. These goals were developed with the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization's (CAMPO) Public Participation Plan in mind, which states, “CAMPO seeks to provide opportunities in the transportation planning process to interested parties, as well as engage and involve members of the community who have not been traditionally involved.” The Study’s public engagement goals are to:
Educate stakeholders and the public about the North Harnett Transit Study.
Provide educational information about transit to stakeholders and the public to ensure they make informed decisions.
Proactively provide updates and information through various methods to increase reach.
Offer convenient opportunities to provide input through both virtual and in-person means (if possible).
Establish strong relationships with stakeholders through open and responsive communication.
Phase 1 Public Engagement Summary
The results from Phase I of public engagement showed trends in how people use transit and what they want for the future. A survey from March to May 2024, with 356 participants, found that most people (74%) use personal vehicles. However, there's optimism and enthusiasm for a better transit system. Over 55% of participants were very or somewhat interested in using public transit. People at pop-up events and in key stakeholder groups, like the Core Technical Team (CTT), also wanted more transit options to improve mobility and support growth in North Harnett County.
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Providing transportation options for seniors, disabled persons, and others who cannot drive was the most important value of transit service for 76% of survey respondents, followed by reducing unemployment by increasing access to jobs (62%) and providing transportation options for low-income persons (55%).
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Reliability of service was the top concern among survey respondents, a theme repeated by existing HARTS riders. Nearly half of survey participants want technological elements, like real-time arrival information and app-based bookings.
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A survey question about operational improvements revealed that the highest priorities of respondents were service that served job centers (1), ran on weekends (2), and ran during peak hours (3).
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The biggest challenges mentioned by all audiences during this phase are density and traffic. Over half of survey respondents said reducing vehicle usage and avoiding congestion is a “very important” benefit of transit services. Focus groups suggested using transit to transport people to home or school and support high-density housing in the study area.
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Key takeaways from Phase 1 data analysis and public engagement:
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HARTS service is at capacity, and there’s demand for other types of transit with more connectivity, flexibility, and longer service times.
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Most respondents would use transit for shopping, recreation, and medical trips, with less emphasis on work/school.
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Strongest travel patterns are between Lillington and Angier. HARTS ridership is highest near Lillington and between Lillington and Coats.
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56% of survey respondents were very interested or somewhat interested in using transit.
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Stakeholders see the need for updated infrastructure and higher land-use density for transit to be useful.
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There is public and stakeholder support for more enhanced local services and connections.
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Read the full Public Engagement Phase 1 Summary report on what we heard from the community.
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With these takeaways in mind, four transit service options were identified for further consideration:
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Fixed Route
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Microtransit
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Regional Connection to Other Transit Systems
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Senior Shuttle / Shopping Trip Route
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In November 2024, the study’s CTT and Public Officials met to choose service types for further investigation. Microtransit was the top recommendation because it can offer local service, regional connections, and is cost-effective and could be more cost-effective compared to fixed route transit based on the size and land use in north Harnett County. The study recommends pursuing microtransit, including connections to nearby destinations, in the implementation plan.
