MARION — The microtransit service in McDowell County is seeing continued success, prompting expansion into another community.
The McDowell County Express launched exactly one year ago, providing on-demand transportation in the town of Marion. Since its launch, the service has provided more than 5,400 rides.
Due to its growth in ridership, the service will expand again to the Town of Old Fort on May 15.
“We started with an 8-mile radius from downtown Marion, which worked out really well," said McDowell Transit Director Jason Hollifield. “We saw really quickly that that was not going to meet the demand."
The N.C. Department of Transportation assists McDowell Transit in providing this innovative and transformative service to the local communities.
“From there, it's a testament to the hard work and dedication of the transit professionals to see sustained success as well as these exciting expansion opportunities," said Brennon Fuqua, the director of NCDOT's Integrated Mobility Division.
Steady growth in demand for the service led the county to add an additional van in December 2025. Since then, the service has averaged about 200 additional rides per month.
“A lot of them are grateful that we have this service here in the county," McDowell Express driver Ryan Shelton said. “They're appreciative that they can depend on us to be here at a certain time and that we will be picking them back up."
“We take them to doctor appointments, we'll take them to the grocery stores, (and) we'll take them to work."
The service provides reliable transportation where options are limited, according to riders, and is $2.50 per trip.
“I love it because I know they'll come and pick you up on time," said Trenna Nanney, a McDowell Express passenger. “I use transit for my doctor's appointments and everything. They'll work with you."
The McDowell Express runs weekdays 7 a.m. – 8 p.m., and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Riders can book a ride on the McDowell Express online.
Media may download and use the video published on Vimeo. To learn more about microtransit in North Carolina, visit the NCDOT webpage.