CARTS
Craven Area Rural Transit System (CARTS) is the public transportation provider for the area
Contact carts
1106 Clarks Road New Bern, NC, 28562
Hours
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday - Friday
Fixed Route
Anyone is eligible to ride the fixed route system. No advance notice is required. Meet the bus at a stop, pay the fare and get off at your destination. There are three routes available Monday through Friday that transport passengers around set locations in New Bern. View the three route options
Demand Response
Demand response trips are available for those living in Craven, Jones and Pamlico counties. These trips require scheduling at least 2 business days in advance. Pricing varies for demand response trip. To get started, give CARTS a call to schedule a ride.
Microtransit
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Microtransit --
what is happening to CARTS?
The community has expressed the need for a more flexible and convenient public transit system. Craven Area Rural Transit System (CARTS) currently operates the fixed route system between the hours of 6:45 AM to 6:15 PM, Monday through Friday. The buses follow a set path with designated bus stops. Riders get on or off the bus at any of the stops for a fixed price, no matter how far they travelled. A fixed route system is predictable in service expectations but lacks the flexibility some passengers need. Many community members rely on CARTS to get to work, medical appointments, or groceries, but they have to travel to a stop then potentially wait over an hour for the next bus. Based on this feedback, CARTS is considering implementing a pilot program that would change the fixed route into a microtransit system.
What is microtransit?
Microtransit is an on demand, public ride share service that operates similarly to a bus, but can be called when you need, and take you where you need within the service zone. Trips can be requested as needed by utilizing the app or calling directly. One of the vehicles will pick-up and drop off passengers at the requested locations. Trips are provided on a first-come, first-serve basis but may stop for other passengers along the way. Booking in advance is not required but is recommended.
Because microtransit is only a pilot program, there may be changes to service as the program gets better. The system operates best through feedback and understanding usage trends and user habits. If you are having issues with the program or want to give feedback, please contact CARTS so they can improve the system with time. Changes to service zone or hours of operation may come if demand exists.
potential microtransit service area
Have thoughts on Microtransit?
Let us know by taking the survey.
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Passengers can travel anywhere within the service zone. Vehicles will pick up and drop off near indicated when booking. Compared to a fixed route system with bus stops blocks away, with microtransit, your front door (or nearby) is the bus stop!
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Unlike the fixed route system, which could potentially be over an hour before the bus arrives, most microtransit vehicles will arrive within 20 minutes of booking. Wait times will vary depending on traffic, demand, and location.
The app offers vehicle tracking in real time to give you updates on ride progress including pickup and drop off times.
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To book a ride, download the mobile app, available on iOS and Android, or call CARTS directly.
To change or cancel your ride, give CARTS a call as early as possible. If the vehicle is already in route, cancelation may not be possible and you may be charged.
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Vehicles are ADA compliant and equipped to assist riders with disabilities. Please notify when booking if you will require use of specific accommodations. Riders who require additional assistance entering and exiting the vehicle are allowed one person to help them at a time for no extra charge. Drivers are not allowed to help passengers. If a passenger assistant is accompanying you on your ride, you may have to provide their name and information when booking.