SRF led the City of High Point through the development of a new Short Range Transit Plan (SRTP) for the High Point Transit System. This plan provides the City and HPTS with a focused roadmap for transit improvements to better serve the High Point community over the next five to ten years.
Foundation of the Plan
Building on an understanding of current travel patterns, land use, demographics, and community needs, the plan evaluated how well today’s transit services connect people to jobs, education, healthcare, shopping, and essential services, while also outlining goals. It then outlines targeted strategies to update routes, improve the rider experience, and position HPTS as a more reliable, visible, and convenient mobility option for residents who depend on transit and those who could choose to use it.
At its core, the SRTP is about aligning the transit network with how and where people travel today and with an eye toward the future. The project analyzed ridership and traditional transit performance metrics with demographic patterns, equity considerations, and future growth areas in and around High Point. Through this planning process, the final plan identifies where routes should be simplified or realigned, where frequency and span of service can be improved, and where new or reconfigured services may be warranted to connect emerging destinations and regional links.
Focus on Key Locations and Patterns
Particular attention is given to key community anchors such as downtown, major retail areas, colleges and training centers, medical facilities, and industrial employment areas and to neighborhoods with higher concentrations of households that face transportation insecurity. The plan also outlines improvement strategies for ACCESS paratransit services and the introduction of microtransit service to emerging areas of High Point not yet ready for fixed-route service, but as a connection there too.
The SRTP also looks beyond route patterns to address the full transit experience. It includes recommendations for bus stops and passenger amenities, capital investments at key hubs such as the Broad Avenue Terminal, technology enhancements for real-time information and fare collection, and service standards and performance measures to guide ongoing decision-making. The plan emphasizes equity, safety, accessibility, and state of good repair, recognizing that reliable vehicles, comfortable stops, and clear information are essential to maintaining and growing ridership. Implementation strategies and phasing are provided to help the City and HPTS prioritize near-term “quick wins,” medium-term investments, and longer-term system expansion in a realistic, fiscally responsible way.
Defined Action Items
Developed in close coordination with City staff, community stakeholders, riders, and regional partners, the High Point SRTP is intended to be both visionary and practical. It offers a clear set of actions that can be advanced as funding and capacity allow, while remaining flexible enough to adapt to changing conditions, new development, and emerging opportunities. With this plan as a guide, High Point is well positioned to strengthen its transit network, support economic and educational opportunity, and advance a more connected, inclusive, and mobile future for its residents.
Resource Links:
City of High Point – Short Range Transit Plan
Internal Category:
Transit Service Planning & System Design