Sanford was one of the 11 communities in North Carolina to be awarded "Mobility for Everyone, Everywhere in NC" (MEE NC) grant funding to pilot an on-demand microtransit service. Funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Sanford will receive $3.4 million over a 3-year period for the initiative.

What is microtransit?

Microtransit is a technology-enabled transit service to provide pooled on-demand transportation with dynamic routing. Its routes are nimble; its “schedules” aren’t really schedules at all, as they shift constantly based on rider demand; and its vehicles range in size from vans, shuttles, or buses. They are often subsidized by government agencies, non-profits, and employers in order to reduce costs to riders.

Based upon the City of Sanford microtransit study completed in December 2022, the objectives of a microtranist program in Sanford are to:

• provide affordable, efficient, reliable, and accessible transit in the City of Sanford.
• complement the Lee County COLTS System by filling in gaps and offering services on weekends.
• address access that is attractive to both workers and employers, including those with multiple shifts.
• provide students dependable transportation.
• give elderly, disabled and everyday people the ability to attain access to goods and services on an on-demand basis.
• strengthen the travel and hospitality industries by enabling staff to leverage transit service for visitor mobility.

Sanford Microtransit Plan

To that end, the City has formed a Microtransit Advisory Board (MAB) to provide guidance to the City of Sanford for the duration of the Mobility for Everyone, Everywhere in NC (MEE NC) grant.

MAB Objectives:
The MAB shall provide initial input on the development of the microtransit program, evaluate the operational and financial performance of the microtransit program once operational, communicate private/public partner feedback on the microtransit’s program, and advise the governing boards on any microtransit issues that the MAB considers appropriate for their consideration.

Microtransit Advisory Board (MAB):
The MAB is composed of a broad spectrum of individuals with knowledge of transportation difficulties faced by residents, students, employers, and visitors.

• Rebecca Wyhof Salmon, City of Sanford, Mayor
• Kirk Smith, Lee County Commission, Chair
• Crystal Gaddy, SAGA, Business Retention & Expansion Director
• Jonathan White, Central Carolina Community College, General Counsel
• Karyn Christopher, Stevens Center, Executive Director
• Yanira Scott, El Refugio, Executive Director
• Wendy Bryan, Sanford Tourism Development Authority, Executive Director

Sanford/Lee County Microtransit Service

The City of Sanford and Lee County soft-launched Buzzline, a pilot microtransit program that provides on-demand transportation within a designated service area, in mid-November with limited hours. On December 1, 2025, the service began full-time operation. Learn more about Buzzline and book a ride here.

More About Microtransit