Go Wake Forest
Wake Forest to launch microtransit pilot program October 1
Beginning Tuesday, Oct. 1, the Town of Wake Forest will introduce a town-wide microtransit pilot program called “Go Wake Forest.”
Microtransit is a ridesharing transit service that operates similarly to Uber and Lyft, connecting riders directly to destinations from their doorstep.
Riders will be able to schedule rides through the official Go Wake Forest smartphone app, scheduled for release in late September 2024, and by calling a hotline number which will coincide with the app release.
Additional details, including operating schedules and a list of Frequently Asked Questions, will be posted on this web page prior to launch.
During the pilot phase of the new microtransit service, Town officials will work to resolve any issues through rigorous testing and rider feedback. To offset any potential inconveniences, Wake Forest will offer the service to riders at no cost.
In addition, the Town will provide an online feedback form, which will allow users to offer valuable input on how the new service can be improved.
“Our ultimate goal is to provide safe, reliable, and affordable transit to our residents, and rider input is essential for this to occur,” said Long Range Planning Manager Brad West.
Wake Forest Loop to be suspended October 1
The current Wake Forest Loop (WFL) Bus Service, operated by GoRaleigh, will be suspended during the new microtransit pilot program.
Service suspension notice is being coordinated with GoRaleigh to include posted notices at Wake Forest Loop (WFL A & B) bus stops encouraging riders to utilize the new microtransit service.
Service for the WRX Express route from Downtown Wake Forest to Triangle Town Center and Downtown Raleigh bus terminal will continue to operate with current service hours.
What is Go Wake Forest?
Go Wake Forest is an on-demand microtransit service provided to all residents and visitors within the Wake Forest town limits and a portion of Wakefield.
Go Wake Forest will replace the fixed route bus system (Wake Forest Loop) on October 1, 2024. It will initially operate as a pilot program, allowing the Town to resolve any service issues reported by riders.
Go Wake Forest is a partnership between the Town of Wake Forest and Via, a leader in microtransit service.
Phone App & Ride Pickup Hotline
Coming Soon! To use the on-demand microtransit service, simply download the app (link will be provided in the coming days) or call +1 984-342-2319 to request a ride. Riders may also email Via Customer Service at [email protected] if special assistance is needed.
Please note: Although the telephone numbers and email accounts have been set up, the support is not yet active. Beginning October 1, support staff will answer the phone/respond to e-mails.
Service Hours
Go Wake Forest operates Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Fridays from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Go Wake Forest does not operate on Sundays, Thanksgiving, or Christmas.
Trip Cost
The Go Wake Forest on-demand transit service is currently free to ride.
Beginning April 1, 2025, ride pickups within the Town’s unincorporated jurisdictional areas will be subject to a $2.50 fee.
Rider Feedback
Coming Soon! During the initial pilot phase of Go Wake Forest, the Town will rely on rider feedback to improve service. Please use our online form (coming soon) to provide your feedback.
Service Area
All residents and visitors within the Wake Forest town limits and a portion of Wakefield are eligible to use the Go Wake Forest on-demand transit service. To find out if your pickup/drop-off location is within the service area, utilize the online map tool.
Title VI Non-Discrimination Statement
Go Wake Forest does not exclude, deny benefits to, or otherwise discriminate against any person on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or on the basis of disability or age in admission to, participation in, or receipt of the services and benefits of any of its programs and activities or in employment therein, whether carried out by Go Wake Forest directly or through a contractor or any other entity with whom Go Wake Forest arranges to carry out its programs and activities.
This statement is in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and Regulations of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued pursuant to the acts. Title 45 Code of Federal Regulations Part 80, 84, and 91. (Other Federal Laws and Regulations provide similar protection against discrimination on grounds of sex and creed.)
In case of questions concerning this policy, or in the event of a desire to file a complaint alleging violations of the above, please fill out the Title VI Complaint form below or call 919-435-9400 for questions and concerns.
Title VI Complaint Form (English)
Formulario De Queja Del Título VI
FAQs
Who is eligible to use Go Wake Forest?
Residents and visitors in Wake Forest and a portion of Wakefield are eligible to use Go Wake Forest.
To find out if your pickup/drop-off location is within the service area, utilize the online map tool.
Is Go Wake Forest operated by the Town?
Go Wake Forest is a Town-sponsored microtransit service that is operated by the Town’s transit partner, Via.
Via is responsible for day-to-day operations, driver hiring, vehicle acquisition, branding, and customer service issues.
What are the service hours for Go Wake Forest?
Go Wake Forest operates Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. until 9:30 p.m., Friday from 6 a.m. until 10:30 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 10:30 p.m.
Go Wake Forest will not operate on Sundays, Thanksgiving day, or Christmas day.
How do I book a ride on Go Wake Forest?
Riders can download the Go Wake Forest smart phone app on the Town’s Go Wake Forest web page or call +1 984-342-2319.
How much does Go Wake Forest cost to ride?
Go Wake Forest is free for riders. However, on April 1, 2025, trips originating in the Town’s unincorporated areas will cost $2.50.
The Go Wake Forest Service Area Map, on the Go Wake Forest web page, will be updated to reflect this new zone.
If there is a service issue, who do I reach out to?
Riders can report all Go Wake Forest service issues to the Via customer service hotline at +1 984-342-2319 or email [email protected].
How old do you have to be to ride Go Wake Forest?
Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult (age 18+) at all times.
Can I bring my pet to ride on Go Wake Forest?
Pets are currently not allowed to ride on Go Wake Forest.
However, certified service animals are allowed. Service animals must be under the control of their owners at all times.
Does Go Wake Forest provide child car seats?
If traveling with a child who uses a booster or car seat, please bring the appropriate seat. Riders are solely responsible for the selection, installation, securement, and removal of any booster or car seat.
Can I bring food on Go Wake Forest?
Riders are allowed to bring unopened food items and groceries on Go Wake Forest.
However, consuming food items on Go Wake Forest is prohibited.
What will happen to the GoRaleigh Access paratransit service after Go Wake Forest launches?
Complimentary ADA/Paratransit service provided by the Town of Wake Forest will be suspended on October 1, 2024, along with the Wake Forest Loop (WFL A&B) fixed route bus service. The Go Wake Forest microtransit service will come equipped with at least one ADA accessible vehicle at all times, which will take riders anywhere in the Go Wake Forest service area.
(Note that this ADA/Paratransit service was being managed by the City of Raleigh and GoRaleigh Access on behalf of the Town of Wake Forest) However, eligible ADA riders for paratransit service can still get to Raleigh in one of two ways:
1. Schedule a GoRaleigh Access ride to Raleigh by calling 919-996-3459. The portion of travel between your trip origin in Wake Forest and the GoRaleigh Access service boundary will be operated by a local taxi company partner (standard taxi rates may apply). Once the taxi service reaches the GoRaleigh Access service boundary, your trip will transition to a an ADA trip within the GoRaleigh Access Zone.
2. Request a Go Wake Forest microtransit ride from your trip origin location to the Wake Forest-Raleigh Express (WRX) bus stop in Downtown Wake Forest. This ADA accessible bus service departs from the Northern Wake Senior Center (235 E Holding Ave, Wake Forest, NC) at 6:50 am and 7:50am to the Downtown Raleigh Transit Station (214 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC), and returns at 5:20 pm, 6:20 pm, and 7:20 pm. At the Downtown Raleigh Transit Station, riders can call 919-996-3459 to request a GoRaleigh Access ride to other areas of the City.
Can I drink alcohol or smoke on Go Wake Forest?
No. Riders are prohibited from consuming alcohol or drugs inside the vehicle.
Riders are also prohibited from using the vehicle to transport illegal substances or open containers.
Smoking and/or vaping are not permitted during any ride.
How is safety prioritized on Go Wake Forest?
Go Wake Forest drivers are hired, managed, and directly compensated by the Town’s transit partner, Via. Via conducts extensive background checks on all drivers and requires completion of a mandatory training program prior to driving for Via.
Additionally, for safety and efficiency, drivers cannot take a rider to a destination that is not requested through the Via app. If a rider needs to change their destination after starting their ride, they must contact Via Support at XXX-XXX-XXXX to request a change.
Finally, any dangerous, abusive, violent, or disruptive behavior committed by either riders or drivers will not be tolerated on Go Wake Forest. Go Wake Forest reserves the right to suspend or permanently ban any rider that violates this policy. Video recording devices may also be present on Go Wake Forest vehicles to document any abuse conducted by both riders and drivers.
If you feel that this policy has been violated, please contact +1 984-342-2319 to speak with Via customer service.
Is there a limit to what I can carry on Go Wake Forest?
Please only bring bags and other objects that you can carry and load yourself. Rule of thumb: whatever you bring with you should not interfere with other passengers’ ability to enter, exit, and ride in the vehicle.
Drivers reserve the right to deny service to riders that present a safety risk due to their belongings.
Do Go Wake Forest drivers take tips?
No. Go Wake Forest drivers do not accept tips and are prohibited from asking for them.