Check out the City's new rides in action!
Spanish Version of Go Gastonia Video
Book a Ride on the GoGastonia App or call 704-753-7439
Download the app from app stores for Apple & Android.
GoGastonia is Coming July 1, 2024
Starting July 1, 2024, the Gastonia bus system will no longer be running. But riders can still get to all the places they’re used to traveling to and more. GoGastonia is the city’s new public transit service that comes when you need it and picks you up/drops you off close to your destination.
Why Did The City Move to GoGastonia Rideshare Service?
Gastonia City Council has approved a 36-month, $1.65 million contract in the first year with River North Transit, LLC to provide on-demand transit services to riders, who complete approximately 144,000 trips annually. The improved service will launch July 1, 2024. The amended service delivery will not displace ADA transportation services (para-transit).
The City also determined that on-demand microtransit will address a limited service area, hour-long wait times, an aging fleet of buses, and inequitable access to bus stops.
Gastonia Transit currently operates six fixed-routes within the City of Gastonia and is characterized as a “pulse” system with the majority of the routes beginning and ending at the Bradley Station at regular intervals. The department covers nearly 295,000 miles per year, providing service to over 144,000 passengers in FY 2023. The system currently averages seven passengers per vehicle hour across all routes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Click here to see the full document or take a look below ↷
⊹ Do I need a smartphone to book a GoGastonia ride?
No, you don’t need a smartphone to use GoGastonia! You can also book a ride by calling (704) 753-7439.
⊹ What are the days and hours of operation?
Monday - Friday, 5:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. & Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
⊹ Does the service operate on holidays?
The service does NOT operate on the following holidays:
New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day
The service will operate on a Saturday schedule (8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.) on the following holidays:
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Good Friday, Friday after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve
⊹ Do I have to use a credit or debit card to ride?
No, tickets can be purchased with cash at the Bradley Station for passengers who do not use a credit or debit card. Tickets can be used to book your ride.
⊹ How much does it cost to ride?
Regular Fare is $2.00 one way.
Elderly, Aged 65+, & Fare for Disabled is $1.00 one way.
Children under 5 years old are free with a paying adult.
⊹ Will GoGastonia fares surge like Uber and Lyft?
No way! GoGastonia functions as public transit, versus as a consumer ride hailing service (though, it can feel as luxurious and convenient as an Uber or Lyft). We will not be raising fares based on external factors such as weather, time of day, or the cost of gas.
⊹ What is the service area?
Transit passengers in Gastonia no longer have the limitations of the fixed route. GoGastonia can transport you anywhere within the City limits of Gastonia.
⊹ Where will I be picked up?
Through using virtual bus stops vs. physical ones, GoGastonia will provide transit coverage to the entire city population of more than 80,000 residents, meaning that no one in Gastonia will be farther than 1-2-minute walk to the nearest GoGastonia “virtual bus stop”.
⊹ What is the wait time for the driver to pick me up?
The average wait time will be approximately 15 minutes from the time that you book the ride.
⊹ How many people will be in the vehicle?
GoGastonia vehicles can carry up to five passengers. GoGastonia uses AI-based algorithms from software and operations provider Via to aggregate passengers headed in the same direction into one vehicle, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips.
⊹ Will I be required to bring a car seat for my child?
Due to liability, parents will need to supply their own car seats.
⊹ What age do you have to be to ride alone?
The minimum age for riders to ride solo is 13 years old. Passengers under the age of 13 must ride with an adult.
⊹ Is this going to be safe?
Yes, GoGastonia is dedicated to prioritizing the safety of our riders and drivers, which is why prospective drivers are required to complete extensive screening, onboarding and training. Riders will be given a specific vehicle identifier when booking a ride, and both riders and drivers have access to live support throughout the duration of the ride. All vehicles are also equipped with security cameras.
