The North Harnett Transit Study has concluded. Microtransit is the recommended transit service.
Community Engagement
To create a shared vision for future transit in North Harnett, the study involved 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.
In phase 2, we shared the study's 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.
Public Engagement Summary
The North Harnett Transit Study public engagement campaign consisted of two phases.
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Phase I (November 2023 - June 2024)
Phase I was divided into four stages: data collection, analysis and preparation, engagement execution, and presentation of findings. The goal was to educate the public about transit options, assess the community's desire for transit, solicit input on travel patterns, and develop a vision for transit service that best serves northern Harnett County.
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Phase II (July 2024 - June 2025)
Phase II finalized the transit service recommendation and created an implementation plan, including an educational campaign to publicize the proposed recommendation.
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The results from community and stakeholder engagement during Phase I of public engagement revealed trends in transit usage and community desires for future transit service development. The findings had implications for challenges and opportunities, which were used to finalize study recommendations and indicate areas of emphasis in Phase II.
While nearly three-quarters of survey participants use personal vehicles as their primary mode of transportation, trends in survey responses exhibited optimism and excitement for an upgraded transit network in the study area.
The eagerness for expanded service was echoed by attendees at pop-up events, at which recurring themes of discussion were a lack of current transit service, interest in expanded options, and a consensus that transit upgrades would enhance mobility and support growth in North Harnett County. The feedback received led directly to the recommended proposed hybrid model: Microtransit within a designated service area, combined with connections to nearby regional destinations to support the community’s transportation needs.
During Phase II, the proposed recommendation was announced, and public engagement revealed strong community and stakeholder support, along with thoughtful questions about its implementation. Participants expressed interest in how the service would be funded, its hours of operation, service area boundaries, accessibility features, and coordination with existing transit, like HARTS.
Most participants viewed the proposed recommendation as a valuable mobility option, especially for underserved groups like seniors, students, and low-income residents. Positive comments emphasized its potential to reduce congestion and support job creation. These insights are critical for informing Harnett County’s next steps now that the study has concluded.​​​​​​​
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Read the full Public Engagement Summary report.
