Rocky Mount's Tar River Transit
Ride Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

The Tar River Transit System in the City of Rocky Mount, North Carolina provides regular fixed-route bus service as an alternative method of transportation for the general public; complementary ADA paratransit service for individuals who have disabilities preventing access to the fixed-route service; and information on those services in order to facilitate travel and encourage the use of public transportation to help preserve the environment.

For more information, click on the questions to unfold the answer:

 

Fares

How much does it cost to ride the bus?

Answer
Full fare is $1.25; Seniors with Senior Tarheel Cards, Medicare Card holders, and Disabled individuals with SNAP cards ride for 60 cents; Children under 42" in height ride free (limit 3 per paying adult); transfers are free.

Answer
Tar River Transit offers tokens and 10 Ride Cards. Tokens and 10 Ride Cards may be purchased at the City of Rocky Mount Business Office located at 224 South Franklin Street or at the Transit Office located on the third floor of the downtown train station in Suite 315. Learn about fares on the Tickets page.

Answer
No. Exact fare is required. If you do not have the exact fare no change will be returned.

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Tar River Transit realizes that some trips will require a rider to use two (2) buses. When you board the first bus and pay your fare ask the operator for a transfer to the other route you need. Remember to ask for your transfer immediately. Transfers will not be issued at any other time during your trip.
Bus Schedules

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The buses run from 6:45 am to 6:45 pm Monday through Friday and 9:15 am to 5:45 pm on Saturdays. There is no Sunday service. View the routes and schedules page to find your exact route.

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The earliest buses (Hillsdale, Ravenwood, and Oakwood) leave the transfer center at 6:45 am. View the routes and schedules page to find your exact route.

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Tar River Transit does not operate on the following holidays:
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day

Answer
Bus schedules are at the transfer center, in the information display station on the first floor of City Hall. We can also mail you a schedule if you wish. They are viewable on this website under routes and schedules.

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Tar River Transit operates an Evening Shuttle available for passengers who live within the City of Rocky Mount as well as Nash and Edgecombe counties. The fare for this service is $2 per trip for in-City travel and $5 per trip for destinations outside of the Fixed Route service area. 

Please refer to the "Programs" section of the website and look under "Night Shuttle" for more information.

Also, private providers such as United Cab Company (252-442-4141), Rocky Mount Cab Company (252-985-1200), and The Shuttle Express (252-442-3382) may be able to help you.

Answer
Tar River Transit realizes that some trips will require a rider to use two (2) buses. When you board the first bus and pay your fare ask the operator for a transfer to the other route you need. Remember to ask for your transfer immediately. Transfers will not be issued at any other time during your trip.
Riding and Transfers

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Call Tar River Transit at 252-972-1174. Someone will be more than happy to assist you in using the system.

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The are many bus stops throughout the city. Bus stop signs have a picture of the front of a bus and white lettering on blue background. Stand at the stop, and the bus operator will stop to pick you up. For specific information about the stop closest to you, call the transit information line at 252-972-1174 (TDD 1-800-735-2962). View the routes and schedules page to find your exact route.

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The transfer center is located at 111 Coastline Street (behind the YMCA on Church Street). View the transfer page for the newest information.

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Each bus has a pull cord that runs along the top of the window on each bus. For individuals in the wheelchair securement stations there is a cord along the wall. Pull the cord approximately one block before you wish to exit the bus.

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Each bus has a destination sign on the front and right side of the bus that identifies the route the bus travels.

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If you miss your transfer because the bus was running late, either the driver will fix your transfer so that you can catch the next available bus, or Tar River Transit will make arrangements to get you to your destination.
Accessibility

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Yes. Each bus has a wheelchair lift and two (2) securement stations and internal message signs.

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If you are able to transfer from your wheelchair to a seat the bus operator will give you this option. If not, you will have to wait for the next bus.

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The bus operator will notify a supervisor, and arrangements will be made to send a vehicle to pick you up and take you to your destination. We will also provide return service if necessary.

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Tar River Transit offers a complementary paratransit service called DARTS for individuals with disabilities that prevent them from riding the regular bus.
General Questions

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At the end of each day, bus operators turn in all items left on the bus. You may call 252-972-1174 to see if we have the item. If we do not have the item we will take your name, address, and phone number so that if the items appears later we can contact you. If you are a regular rider and the bus operator recognizes the item you left behind, he/she will often hold it on the bus for you to pick up the next day.

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You can send us an email (our email address is shown at the bottom of the website and on the contact page.) If you prefer, you can call Tar River Transit at 252-972-1174, and let the person who answers the telephone know that you wish to register a public comment. Please leave your name, address, and telephone number and be as specific as possible about the incident. We will investigate the incident, and respond to you as soon as possible.

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Bus operators are employees of a private company with whom the city contracts. You may either apply online (found under opportunities > employment), call 252-972-1174, or you may download the PDF application from the website or pick up an application at the transit office on the third (3rd) floor of the renovated Train Station, Suite 315.

Answer
No. Due to federal regulations that govern federally funded transit systems, Tar River Transit can not do charters. The exception would be if the local charter providers in the area are unable or unwilling to do so. Before Tar River Transit will perform this service it will need the denial of service from each provider in writing.

Answer
Coastal Plain Charter Service, Carolina Trailways, AT&T Charter Service, Inc., American Classic Charters & Tours, Inc., American Prestige Coach, Inc., Carolina American Tours, LaGrange Bus Co., and Northeastern Chartered Bus Service, Inc. Additional information on each of these companies can be found in the yellow pages of the phone book or through an internet search.


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