After a summer break, many UNC students are returning to Chapel Hill for the fall semester and new academic year. Ahead of classes starting, the Chapel Hill Transit system shared updates with the returning and new student customers about their bus services.

The fare-free transit organization, which is a partnership between the towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro and UNC, offers 21 different bus routes across the community. While the system experienced dips in its routes and service during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chapel Hill Transit adjusted and is nearly back to full operations. One addition since the end of the spring semester: new electric buses have joined the fleet out on the roads.

The transit system, however, is not yet running at its full frequency of buses across all routes. Chapel Hill Transit is experiencing a shortage of drivers — with more than two dozen open positions as of mid-July. While high-traffic routes may see the regular frequency, other routes may experience longer gaps between buses. Additionally, the transit system is partnering with Carolina Livery to help operate the B, CCX and JFX routes. In its release, Chapel Hill Transit said all bus schedules are updated and reflect their changes in services.

The weekday routes of Chapel Hill Transit, as of August 2022. (Photo via Chapel Hill Transit.)

Another change from previous years: the bus system previously showed their vehicles and routes on the app NextBus. But due to a change in software, Chapel Hill Transit’s equipment is no longer compatible with the app. The transit system ordered new parts for their bus locator technology, but it is expected to arrive in September. Students and bus patrons will likely not see any real-time updates on Chapel Hill Transit buses’ locations through NextBus or the TransLoc apps. As a result, Chapel Hill Transit said it is working on a new contract with GMV Syncromatics to help with bus location and are updating display screens at bus stops to better reflect route information.

While the transit system’s service schedule has returned to pre-COVID levels, one element of its response to the coronavirus has not changed. Chapel Hill Transit is still requiring passengers to wear face masks while onboard and requesting patrons give bus operators space while loading and unloading at stops. Physical barriers, upgraded filtration systems and cleaning procedures remain in place for the passengers’ and drivers’ safety, according to the organization.

The Safe Ride Program is another measure to help student and passenger safety. Chapel Hill Transit offers the routes for students to use safe transportation during late-night hours on the weekends. The transit system said the Safe Ride G, J and T routes will resume on Thursday, August 18.

Finally, Chapel Hill Transit announced a new position being offered to UNC students. With the need for bus operators, the system introduced part-time operator roles aiming to fit with students’ availability and schedules. The jobs pay a rate of $16 an hour to start, require the same level of training as other Chapel Hill Transit drivers and are open strictly to current college students.

To read the full update from Chapel Hill Transit as UNC’s semester begins, visit the Town of Chapel Hill’s website.

 

Photo via the Town of Chapel Hill.

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