www.PARTnc.org • 336-883-PART
NEWS
Communications for Regional Transportation
2011 PART
Board of Trustees
Chairperson
Darrell Frye
Randolph County
Vice Chair
Gloria Whisenhunt
Forsyth County
Treasurer
Leonard Williams
Burlington-Graham TAC
Secretary
Larry Williams
Winston-Salem TAC
Robbie Perkins
Greensboro TAC
Becky Smothers
High Point TAC
Ronnie K. Wall
Burlington
T. Dianne Bellamy-Small
Greensboro
Benita Sims
High Point
Allen Joines
Winston-Salem
Tom Manning
Alamance County
Carolyn Coleman
Guilford County
Don Truell
Davidson County
Carl Humphrey
Davie County
James E. Kallam
Rockingham County
Leon Inman
Stokes County
Paul Johnson
Surry County
Kevin Austin
Yadkin County
Thomas F. McKim
Airport Commission of FC
Vacant
Piedmont Triad Airport
Ralph Womble
Michael Fox
Andrew Perkins
NCDOT Board Members
Volume 9 Issue 1 Summer 2011
PART Express: An Investment in the Future
“At a time when our economy is still hurting and gas prices are
continuing to skyrocket, people need to save money. This is a time to
increase public transportation service, not decrease it. However,
Congress has yet to pass a long overdue surface transportation bill
that will increase public transportation investment. State and local
revenues that fund public transportation have declined since the
economic recession started and that has negatively impacted public
transit systems’ budgets. All levels of government (federal, state,
and local) should invest more in public transportation.”
- American Public Transportation Association (APTA)
The PART Express Regional Bus System is a network of 11 bus routes covering Forsyth, Guilford,
Surry, Stokes, Davidson, Randolph, Davie and Yadkin Counties in the Piedmont Triad Region.
The PART Express service averages around 45,000 rides per month and generated close to
500,000 rides for 2010. This system is vital to the citizens of the Piedmont Triad, whom rely on the
service to get to work, doctor’s appointments and school everyday.
With the creation of PART, the General Assembly gave two options for funding transit services,
1) a vehicle registration fee (up to $5), and 2) a 5% tax on rental cars. PART Express also
receives Federal and State Grants that require a local match. Rather than fully imposing these
taxes and fees on our citizens, PART has provided the services with the vehicle rental tax in some
of the member counties. The local revenue has decreased significantly over the past 3 years due
to the economy and is no longer sufficient to sustain services. In order to continue service in all
of our current corridors, three actions are being taken; 1) eliminating trips with low ridership, 2)
increasing fares, and 3) seeking a stable source of funding in each County. Additional funding will
be absolutely necessary to continue PART Express at the current level of service.
The PART Express system is one of the most
efficient transit agencies in North Carolina averaging
a 27 percent passenger per mile occupancy rate and
8.4 people on the bus at all times, with some buses
having standing room only during peak commute
times! Effective June 1st those trips with a lower
percentages of occupancy were eliminated to reduce
cost and be more effective. In total there was a 24
percent reduction in service.
Effective July 1st the PART Board approved the
following rates: Full Fare $2.40; 31-Day Passes
$74.50; and 10-Ride Passes $24.00. Half Fare for
seniors, disabled & students $1.20; 31-Day Passes
$37.25; 10-Ride Passes $12.00.
Supporting public transit is an investment in our
future. It can stimulate the economy, reduce our
dependence on foreign oil, get people to work,
save lives, and create jobs!
Regional Fare Value Card
The public transit agencies in the Triad have initiated a Regional
Fare Value Card! Riders will be able to purchase cards in $5,
$10, and $20 denomination that can be used on PART, GTA,
Hi tran, and WSTA Buses. Each time a rider boards the bus, the
single ride fare will be deducted from the Regional Value Card.
The Regional Value Card is an investment in our region, it will
make it more convenient to ride across all triad agencies by
allowing riders to purchase one single fare card. The fare card
should be available late summer!
Check the PART website for the
availability of the Regional Fare Value
Cards and purchase locations.
Investment [in-vest-muhnt]
- noun
a devoting, using, or giving of time,
talent, emotional energy, etc., as for a
purpose or to achieve something
T RA N P ORTATI O N
September 7, 2011
UMMIT
SAVE THE DATE
September 7, 2011
7:45am-1:00pm
Discuss and learn about transportation, economic
development, sustainability and how you can help
shape the future of the Piedmont Triad!
PART Board of Trustees
The PART Board of Trustees is a twenty-three member
body comprised of representatives of the four largest cities
(Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point & Burlington),
representatives of the four Metropolitan Planning Organizations
of the four urbanized areas, a commissioner from each of
the 10 member counties, representatives of the two regional
airports, and three representatives of the NCDOT Board of
Transportation. With every PART Member County represented,
this Board is truly a regional investment. The Board meets on
the second Wednesday of every month at the PART Office.
High Point Council Member Benita Sims, Yadkin County
Commissioner Kevin Austin, Alamance County Commissioner
Tom Manning, and Davie County Commissioner Carl Humphrey
were appointed to the PART Board of Trustees this year.
T R A N P ORTAT ION
MAY 16, 2011
U M M IT
Overview and Implementation
Back in October 2009, PART explored the regional
interest in preparing a regional transit development
plan. Determining that there was significant interest, the
Piedmont Triad Regional Transit Vision for 2025 was
developed. Development of the plan began in February
2010. The technical work was completed in August and
the recommendations were released for public review. On
November 10, 2010 the PART Board of Trustees accepted
and approved the Piedmont Triad Regional Transit Vision for
2025. The Transit Vision is available on the PART Website.
To enable implementation the PART Board requested that
each Metropolitan Planning Organization and Rural Planning
Organization within the Piedmont Triad accept the plan and
include the recommendations in their individual Long Range
Transportation Plan updates. To date, the four MPO’s in our
Region have accepted the plan.
Pictured Left to Right: Back Row - Darrell Frye, Andrew Perkins,
Ralph Womble, Allen Joines, Michael Fox, Ronnie Wall,
Carolyn Coleman, Kevin Austin, Leonard Williams, & Dianne
Bellamy-Small. Front Row - Benita Sims, Larry Williams, Gloria
Whisenhunt, Becky Smothers, Paul Johnson, & Don Truell.
Not Pictured - Robbie Perkins, Tom Manning, James Kallam,
Leon Inman, Carl Humphrey & Thomas McKim.
Given the current economic situation and constraints on
local government revenues, seeking funding for future transit
enhancements is not prudent at this time. However, this
does not take away from the importance of planning for the
future investment and having a reasonable vision for future
transit enhancements. The plan will be used as a guiding
document and will be part of the Regional Mobility Plan in the
Sustainable Communities Project.
If you would like more information about the plan visit the
project website www.PARTnc.org or contact Project Manager,
Mark E. Kirstner at [email protected].
April 9th - July 9th
Scooter, Lone Rider, & Air Avenger
Commuter Dash Event, Apr. 9th, 2011
At a time when the cost of commuting places a significant burden on families, and mobile sources
continue to be the primary source of air pollution; efforts like the Triad Commute Challenge are
more vital than ever. The simple act of sharing the ride, instead of driving alone makes a bold
statement about the Triad’s commitment to a more sustainable future!
Hosted by the PART and Triad Air Awareness, the Fifth Annual Challenge kicked off on April 9th
with the Commuter Dash, a three mile race and walk event, held at Bur-Mil Park in Greensboro.
As the Commuter Dash attendees showed up in mass numbers to head to the races in support
of the Triad Commute Challenge, there was no doubt that the
Piedmont Triad Region was ready to reap the benefits of changing their commuting patterns!
This year the Triad Commute Challenge is expected to reach over 5,000 people, yielding a fuel
savings of $360,000 and reducing emissions by 1,297 tons. Not only does that mean healthier,
cleaner air but it also allows participants to invest in things that strengthen our community, such as
homes, education and the local economy rather than foreign oil.
To take the Challenge visit www.PARTnc.org.
Stay Safe This Summer
During the Summer months and
longer days accident rates are
higher, especially for teen drivers.
Both the driver and passenger have responsibilities
for safety when in a vehicle.
Teens - be responsible and stay safe!
WXII Sports Director, Kenny Beck
Remember, protect your
health by spending less time
outside when air pollution
levels are high this summer.
For the Air Quality Forecast
straight to your email, visit
www.triadair.org and click on
KNOW THE CODE!
the AQI symbol.
Piedmont Triad Sustainability Project
Thirty-five organizations in the Piedmont Triad have embarked on a cooperative effort designed to promote
livable communities resulting in a more sustainable future. The Piedmont Triad Sustainable Communities
Planning Project will be a 3-year process and we want you to get involved! A main focus of this project is to help
create and sustain jobs and investment throughout the region, as well as promoting housing affordability and
a sustainable environment. The 12-county regional plan will promote sustainable communities, highlighting the
great things already happening in our region and helping communities develop or implement plans to grow or
revitalize.
A specific focus of the project through the end of the year is the recruitment of Work Group participants.
These groups will be working for at least a year and have important input into the regional vision, growth scenarios, and
recommendations being developed for the plan. You can sign up by visiting the Work Group page on
the project web site or send an email to [email protected].
In order to have a strong and realistic plan, input is needed from all segments of our community
including business, general public, education, health, and those interested in sustainability.
The project kick-off event was held on May 3rd. You can watch a video summary of the kick-off event
by visiting the project website. We would like to invite you to participate in this vital project! Ways to get
involved; Visit the project website www.triadsustainability.org, Join a Work Group, Sign-up for the E-mail
list, Find us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, and Catch the project in motion on YouTube.
The Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation (PART) and the Piedmont Triad Regional Council
are the lead agencies. The project is made possible thought a grant from the US Department of Housing
and Urban Development.
For more information feel free to call (336)662-0002 or email [email protected].
PRESORTED STANDARD
US POSTAGE
PAID
Greensboro, NC
Permit No. 478
Communications for Regional Transportation
Volume 9 Issue 1 Summer 2011
7800 Airport Center Dr., Suite 102
Greensboro, NC 27409
Mission
To enhance the
quality of all
forms of
transportation
for each of our
citizens through
efficient use and
protection of
our natural,
economic and
human resources.
PART STAFF
Executive Director
Brent McKinney
Executive Assistant
Alphanie McCall
Programs Manager
Scott Rhine
Operations Manager
David Morris
Senior Transportation
Planner
Mark Kirstner
Mobility & Sys. Planner
Kyle Laird
Safety Program Manager
Phil Wylie
TDM Manager
Chantale Wesley
TDM Planner
Alexandria Gardner
Director of Marketing
Brooke Kochanski
Marketing Coordinator
Mariana Toledo
Marketing Coordinator
Lisa Chislett
Travel Demand Modeler
John Kim
GIS Modeler/Planner
J.D. Stewart
Regional Proj. Planner
Dick Hails
Grants Accountant
Le’Teya Hargrove
Rideshare Coordinators
Ruby Gatewood-Randall
Stefany Sowell-McDuffie
Buddy Ride Coordinator
Ray Coble
Keep Updated with PART Through Social Media!
TM
facebook.com/partnc
youtube.com/partnc
E-Mail List
@PARTNC
Investment in our Customers
PART Driver Wins 3rd Place in Bus Rodeo
J.W Gilley has been an outstanding driver for PART
for over eight years. His commitment to providing a
safe and reliable service shows through everyday. J.W.
recently competed in his eighth North Carolina Public
Transportation Association (NCPTA) Bus Rodeo where
he was awarded 3rd Place for the Light Transit Vehicle
Category! In years past J.W. has won two 2nd place
and one 3rd place for the statewide competition and
four 1st place, two 2nd place trophys at the local level.
Buddy Ride Coordinator
Ray Coble, PART Buddy Ride Coordinator was
recognized at the June PART Board Meeting for the
tremendous job he does for PART every day. Ray was
was surprised with a certificate and a “Red Hat” to
show his dedication to our customers, organization,
and region. Ray has provided buddy rides to the Red
Hat Society and has been commended by their group
as being “very friendly and a pleasure to work with.”