Gwinnett County, in partnership with Norcross and the Gateway85 Community Improvement District, has launched a new microtransit pilot program called Ride Gwinnett. According to a press release from Gwinnett County, this service will provide transportation around Norcross and the nearby business district starting Monday, improving mobility for residents and businesses.

Ride Gwinnett is an on-demand, shared-ride service operating from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Users can book rides through an app, selecting pick-up and drop-off locations and times. The service can accommodate multiple riders per request. It costs a flat rate of $3, payable via the app or with exact change. This new technology reflects the trend towards more adaptive urban transit solutions.

As detailed in a press release from Gwinnett County, the county’s new program aims to improve public transit inclusivity. Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson stated, “Microtransit is a flexible and convenient transportation option that represents a significant step forward in Gwinnett County’s efforts to achieve mobility for all.” Emory Morsberger, executive director of the Gateway85 Community Improvement District, highlighted the program’s impact, saying, “This service will provide a reliable and affordable transportation option for our community, helping employees get to their jobs and ensuring that transit-dependent residents can easily move around the area, all for just $3. We are committed to improving accessibility and enhancing the quality of life for everyone in our district.”

Norcross Mayor Craig Newton praised the collaborative effort behind the initiative, noting, "We are honored to bring this transformative program to our community. My fellow council members and I believe it will greatly enhance the quality of life by providing more accessible and reliable transportation options for all of our residents. We are grateful for the collaborative effort between the Gwinnett County Commission, the Gwinnett85 CID and the Norcross City Council in bringing this much needed transit initiative to our citizens." The costs are shared, with Gwinnett County and Gateway85 CID each covering 44% of the expenses, while the city of Norcross covers the remaining portion, as per the Gwinnett County release.

The pilot is starting a one-year trial with the goal of eventually creating scalable, personalized transit solutions for both suburban and urban areas. This aims to ensure that every resident can easily access their destinations and meet their needs.