Introducing Rockingham County's Microtransit Pilot Program "LocalLink"
LocalLink is a point-to-point service available to anyone traveling within the designated network outside the regular deviated fixed-route bus service and connector service area. It is a rideshare service. Passengers schedule rides rather than wait for a bus on a fixed schedule. Passengers can call or use a smartphone application to schedule an “on demand” ride and be connected from either Eden, NC to Wentworth, NC or locations in Western Rockingham County (Madison, NC, Mayodan, NC or Stoneville, NC) to Eden, NC. These connections are the missing links in the current system and should allow passengers to get to their destinations sooner without multiple transfers.
Hours of Operation:
Weekdays (Monday through Friday): 7:30 am to 3:30 pm
Schedule your Ride:
Call: 336-347-2287 or Use the CTS Trip Portal App for Smart Phones.
CTS Trip Portal - Apple
CTS Trip Portal - Android
What exactly is microtransit?
As the landscape of public transportation is evolving, advancements and more mobility options are becoming available for passengers even in rural areas. Microtransit is an emerging service option for public transit agencies utilizing an on-demand transportation solution that is flexible and responsive to the real-time needs of transit riders. Microtransit resembles a rideshare or carpool rather than a fixed-route/deviated fixed route bus system. Rockingham County’s microtransit service operates within specific zones, providing shared rides within the zones or a connection with the existing deviated fixed-route connector and bus system. Rockingham County’s microtransit is a pilot program, meaning that the agency and funding partners are learning about the service alongside residents. The pilot program will run for at least 18 months through January 30, 2027. Aging, Disability & Transit Services of Rockingham County, as a subrecipient for the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), is proud to be one of 11 communities awarded funds through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Mobility for Everyone, Everywhere in NC, or MEE NC’s grant.
Where can I ride “LocalLink”?
The microtransit service currently operates in the service zones below. The program provides curb-to-curb service within the zone. Passengers must be within the service zone (peach or sandy color below) to book a ride.
What are the hours of operation?
The micro transit service currently runs on the following schedule: Monday – Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday: CLOSED Sunday: CLOSED
How much does it cost?
The current fare is a flat fee of $5.00 for a one-way trip. Fares may be paid either when the ride is booked or with a fare card when boarding the van.
Can children ride for free on the microtransit service?
Children 36 inches in height or taller must pay the fare to ride.
Can I bring my pet?
A passenger may not bring a pet. Service animals are always allowed.
Is there a limit to what I can carry?
Passengers will be allowed to transport five (5) plastic bags or two (2) canvas bags that they can carry in one trip to or from the van. The bags must be held in the passenger’s lap or placed on the floor between their legs. Drivers are not required to carry bags to or from the van. Passengers with too many bags can be required to find another way from their destination and the trip will be assessed as a no-show.
Is there a food or smoking policy?
Passengers shall refrain from eating, drinking, smoking or vaping while on the vehicle. Exception: Passengers who have a medical condition which requires the intake of food or drink (e.g., diabetes) may eat or drink on board the vehicle if doing so is required to help prevent the onset of a serious medical condition.
How do I schedule a ride?
A ride can be scheduled the same day the service is needed, as long as there is availability. The service will accept reservations no more than 48 hours in advance. Rides can be reserved over the phone at 336-347-2287 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3 p.m or through the CTS software Trip Portal application for smart phones. When calling to schedule a trip, please be prepared to give the following information: 1. Your first and last name 2. Your phone number 3. The day, date, and time that you would like transportation 4. The exact address of both your pick-up location and your destination 5. If you will have any children accompanying you (adult passengers must book separately) NOTE: In accordance with federal law, passengers requiring paratransit under the Americans with Disabilities Act take priority over microtransit rides. In the event that a microtransit ride will need to be adjusted to accommodate a paratransit trip, the micro transit passenger will be notified immediately.
Where do I wait for my ride?
The van will meet the passenger at the curb of the pick-up address.
What happens if the ride I try to book is full?
The microtransit service is booked based on availability—a ride is not guaranteed until the service has confirmed your booking on the phone. The sooner a passenger calls, the better their chance of booking a ride. If a ride is full, the passenger may try to book a different time or call earlier for their next ride. Availability is also based on paratransit service demand, which takes priority in accordance with state and federal law.
What are the rules and regulations?
Microtransit passengers are subject to the same rules and regulations as RCATS and skat bus passengers.
NOTE: In a conflict between existing regulations and a micro transit regulation mentioned on this page, the micro transit rules override the bus rule for the micro transit service.
What is the wait time for the driver to pick me up?
Passengers will be given a 30-minute pickup window when they book their ride. The driver may arrive any time within those 30 minutes and will only wait five (5) minutes before leaving to pick up the next passenger.
Will I be required to bring a car seat for my child?
Passengers are responsible for providing and installing their own car seats. The driver will not install the car seat, and the passenger is responsible for notifying the service that a child will be accompanying them when booking the ride. For laws and regulations surrounding car seat requirements, please see the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s guidance for booster seats and car seats.
What safety measures are in place?
The “LocalLink” microtransit drivers have been trained in the proper procedures for assisting passengers and are highly qualified employees.
What are the cancel and no-show policies?
Passengers should call 336-347-2287 to cancel their ride with as much advance notice as possible but at least one (1) hour before the beginning of their pickup window. When trips are not canceled at least one (1) hour in advance, the trip will be considered a late cancel. If a passenger does not board the van within their pick-up window and has not called to cancel their trip, that passenger will be assessed as a no-show. The driver will wait five (5) minutes after arriving for pickup before assessing a no-show. A pattern of no-shows and/or late cancellations will result in a suspension of service to the passenger for one (1) week, though the time of suspension will increase with each additional no-show/late cancellation. Passengers at risk of suspension will receive a notice encouraging them to modify their behavior before the suspension is enforced.
What will happen to the paratransit service?
Rockingham County’s current transportation services, RCATS and skat, will operate as usual and will not be impacted by the microtransit service.
How many passengers can the vehicle accommodate?
The capacity of microtransit buses will vary, but passengers should always expect to share the ride with others.
Is there a way for me to track my ride?
There is currently no way for passengers to track the micro transit buses.
How can I report a concern?
To report an issue or concern, please contact the micro transit service at 336-347-2287.