RALEIGH – From launching new bus routes to delivering thousands of free bicycle helmets to children, the N.C. Department of Transportation's Integrated Mobility (IMD) transformed how North Carolinians moved in 2025.
In response to Hurricane Helene, IMD coordinated with 17 public transportation agencies to evacuate over 2,000 citizens and conducted over 500 trips to deliver critical supplies to residents in Western North Carolina.
As part of the Intercity Bus program, IMD launched the Triad-Danville Connector in January, bridging a critical gap between North Carolina and Virginia and enhancing regional mobility. The division also restored intercity bus service to Asheville and Chapel Hill, resulting in more than 3,500 riders since August and improved access for students and rural residents.
In addition, IMD worked with local agencies to develop new and improved bus stop locations. These new stops emphasized connectivity to major universities and ensured safer community locations, are making intercity travel more convenient and accessible statewide.
IMD's bicycle helmet initiative distributed more than 9,300 free helmets to children through 111 organizations this year, bringing the five-year total to over 84,650.
The division's Multimodal Planning Grant Program funded 15 projects in 2025, including three at colleges and universities – a first for the program. These grants help communities plan safer, more connected walking, biking and transit networks.
As part of the MEE-NC grant, IMD assisted with the development and implementation of six new microtransit services across the state and expanded the service area of two additional microtransit operations.
The division distributed $115 million in state and federal funds to support transit operations and accessibility in all 100 counties.
“2025 was a year of progress and partnership," said NCDOT's IMD Director Brennon Fuqua. “This division looks forward to building on this momentum in 2026, ensuring mobility for everyone, everywhere statewide."
IMD is poised to deliver even greater access and innovation in the year ahead.