City of High Point to launch new 'microtransit' program

High Point is launching a microtransit pilot program to offer increased access to areas not covered by the city's bus system.

HPTSGo! is a rideshare service that allows passengers to schedule trips instead of waiting for the bus. The city will use its paratransit vans for the program. A one-way ride will cost $2.50.

The program is a part of High Point's efforts to reach areas not serviced by the city's fixed-route bus system. That's according to the city's Assistant Transportation Director George Eckart.

"High Point has really grown far beyond what our fixed route service offers," he says. "And so this is kind of a first step on our part to try to continue growing with the population of the city."

Eckart says initially the program will serve the northwest part of the city along North Main Street.

HPTSGo! begins March 31 and will run for at least 12 months.