JOHNSTON COUNTY – JCATS has launched a new on-demand ride-hailing service in the Smithfield-Selma area called QuickRide. Much like Uber, riders can submit a ride request using our smartphone app or call via telephone.
Rides can be scheduled in advance and the service is curb to curb. Riders can also designate their required arrival (appointment) time.
QuickRide technology instantly pairs the request with the nearest available vehicle and notifies the rider when they’re on the way.
Riders can pay the $6 fare via credit card or cash. The fare covers any trip inside the service zone. All QuickRide vehicles are brand new and are equipped with lifts for wheelchair riders.
JCATS Executive Director Neal Davis says, “We are excited to launch this much-needed public transportation service. The Smithfield-Selma zone will enable us to measure rider demand and work out operational details. Based on these results we hope to secure funding to sustain the service and possibly expand it to Clayton and other urban areas of the county.”
There are no rider restrictions and QuickRide is available to anyone within the service zone. Currently, the county has funded the pilot program through the end of June 2023.
Davis also noted that JCATS is one of the first systems to launch a microtransit service using existing resources and operate it completely “in house”, making it much more cost-effective. “We’ve been working extensively with our software vendor to add this functionality to our existing scheduling software. This has been a joint development project and is a first for both of us.”
“We are thrilled to partner with JCATS to offer this program which will improve access to affordable transportation to thousands of folks in the service area!” said Adam Fox, CEO of CTS Software.
During the trial period, QuickRide service is available 7am to 6pm, Monday – Friday. The app can be downloaded at www.jcats.org . Ride requests can also be called in to 919-202-5030.
the county has funded the pilot program through the end of June 2023.
Is JCATS a government program.
“As a private non profit, a portion of JCATS funding is through local, state and federal grants. JCATS also receives fares from public transportation and payment from county agencies on a shared per mile basis. JCATS receives direct consulting support from NCDOT in addition to peer support from other county transit systems.”
Excerpted from: https://www.cssjohnston.org/wwwjcatsorgaboutjcats
So….why not just create public transportation?