Greensboro seeks input on long-range plan to become 'car-optional' city

Greensboro city leaders have introduced several proposals for a long-range public transit plan called GoBORO. The goal is to make Greensboro a car-optional city by 2045.

Planners have unveiled two concepts that would increase bus access in and around the Gate City.

The first is known as the Ridership Concept. Officials say the benefits include more frequent service on major corridors and an increase in revenue from fares. But the downside is that it doesn’t serve all parts of Greensboro.

The other is the Coverage Concept, which true to its name, expands ridership into areas of the city that aren’t currently served.  The issue here is that it offers lower frequencies of service and longer wait times. Officials say there would be lower ridership numbers if this plan is adopted.  

Greensboro Transit Director Reginald Mason says public input on bus service is needed so that the city can make the best “strategic investments” on its way to becoming a car-optional city. There will be a series of pop-up events to present the plans to the public. Residents can also review the concept maps and find links to English and Spanish-language versions of a survey on the city’s website.