Wave Transit Board approves proposal on significant improvements to system

The Wave Transit Board of Directors voted unanimously to adopt a proposal to expand the existing network and invest in more frequent service. 

In November 2021, a recommendation was presented for consideration with adoption of a finalized draft slated for January 2022. The regularly scheduled Jan. 27 meeting was recessed to Feb. 8 to continue discussion on the network redesign following the announcement from the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) on an additional $108 billion authorized for public transportation under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.  

The new law will increase Wave Transit’s federal formula funding by approximately $700,000 each year over the next five years. Provided this added information, the board voted to advance a revised framework which would result in increased frequencies on 30 percent of the fixed route network, enlarge Wave Transit’s service footprint and improve efficiency.  

The draft proposal is as follows: 

• Retain current urban core network with peripheral improvements. 
• Replace Routes 207 North and 301 Pleasure Island with an on-demand microtransit service delivery model, which is responsive and serves a much larger geographic area. 
• Introduce 30-minute service frequencies on three routes, including Route 108 Market Street, Route 201 Carolina Beach Road and Route 205 Long Leaf Park.  
• Offer 60-minute continuous, uninterrupted frequencies for Route 107 College Rd. for better consistency. 
• Revise Route 104 East, offering transit service on Market Street east of College Rd. for the first time, and shifting coverage of Gordon Road and North College Road to the flexible microtransit service.  
• Interline Route 107 College Rd. and Route 201 Carolina Beach Rd. at Monkey Junction, reducing transfers resulting in better customer service. 
• Implement a seasonal trolley schedule, reallocating resources to the most productive hours. 

“This decision by the Wave Board will give our community a more efficient bus system with greater frequency on major routes, which will have a real and positive impact on the quality of life for riders,” said Mayor of Wilmington, N.C., Bill Saffo. “I’m grateful to Marie Parker and the Wave staff for developing plans for a more reliable transit system and a process for continued improvement, and the city and county board appointees who put them into motion.” 

RideMICRO is Wave Transit’s new flexible, on-demand microtransit service. The mode launched as a pilot program in October 2021. The current service delivery model connects portions of Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender Counties, and will expand to include Northern New Hanover County and Southern New Hanover County. If adopted as final, the revisions will take effect July 3, 2022. 

“The plan approved ensures that no resident is left behind and all will have access – whether at a bus stop, a station or through micro transit. And it was informed by extensive research, valuable community input and staff involvement and understanding, so we could get it right,” said Board of Commissioner ViceChair and Wave Board member Deb Hays. “This will offer the opportunity to grow ridership and then use data to introduce future routes and transit options when they are needed. We are moving forward in a really positive direction for our transit system and believe it will be a future economic development driver for New Hanover County.”  

Every $1 invested in public transportation generates $5 in economic returns. These changes will contribute to thriving communities, create jobs, ease traffic congestion and promote a cleaner environment, says Wave Transit. 

“More than two years ago, the county and city made a difficult, but important decision to remodel the Wave Board and overhaul the system to ensure it could be sustainable, efficient, and a true transportation resource for our citizens,” said Board of Commissioners Chair Julia OlsonBoseman. “The research, debate and decisions over the past two years by the Wave Board have led us to a place today where we truly have a transit model that will work for our community. It will be sustainable financially and fiscally predictable, it will offer increased frequency on the most-used routes and it will be a more efficient system that can grow with increased demand. I am really pleased that the Wave Board has reached this outcome, and believe it will best serve our community now and into the future.” 

January 12, 2022, marked the formal opening of a 90-day public comment period on a redesign of the Wave Transit system network. This correspondence provides notice that the public comment period remains open and will conclude April 12, 2022. Public comments can be submitted online or in-person at Forden and Padgett Stations. Two public hearings will be held during the public comment period. Confirmed dates are forthcoming.