Accept Transit’s (FAST’s) 2026 Feasibility Study

Summary

This document presents the findings of the 2026 Feasibility Study for the Fayetteville Area System of Transit (FAST), authorized by the City Council in April 2025. The study analyzed regional commuting patterns and evaluated the need for potential express services and a secondary operations and maintenance (O&M) facility. Key findings include a 14% increase in passenger trips and a 26% decrease in revenue miles and hours between FY19 and FY25, indicating increased efficiency. The existing 57-year-old O&M facility on Grove Street is at full capacity and cannot support service expansion. The study recommends developing regional express services with limited stops, integrating into the FAST network, and identifies West Fayetteville as the preferred location for a new secondary O&M facility. The study proposes a 3-year pilot program for regional express services, with projected annual operating expenses ranging from approximately $141K (3-days/week) to $244K (5-days/week). Capital costs for a new facility are estimated between $13.2M (Need Scenario) and $19.9M (Choice Scenario) over five years. The study recommends approving the Feasibility Study, continuing collaboration on express services, and seeking grants for the secondary O&M facility in West Fayetteville.

Citizen Impact

This study could lead to expanded transit services connecting regional areas and the development of a new transit facility in West Fayetteville. Residents may benefit from improved regional connectivity, but the expansion will require future funding decisions for operating and capital costs.

Confidence

high