Rock Region METRO to launch public micro transit service in Conway in October

Rock Region METRO will launch the METRO Connect Conway public micro transit service zone in the Faulkner County city in late October. Rock Region is hosting two public information meetings on Sept. 13 and 14 to inform the public ahead of the launch.

METRO Connect Conway microtransit service will offer on-demand, point-to-point, shared-ride trips within the city with an easy-to-use ride-booking interface, real-time vehicle information, reasonable wait and travel times, and affordable fares.

“Ever since Conway became eligible for its own federal public transit funding, we’ve been working on what type of service would best meet the needs of our residents and guests. We are excited to share more with the community about our pending microtransit service – where it will go and how easy it is to use. Public transit service will only enhance the city’s most recent initiatives as we continue to progressively plan and develop an appealing place to live, work and play,” said Conway Mayor Bart Castleberry.

The meetings are Tuesday, Sept. 13, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and Wednesday, Sept. 14, 5:30-7 p.m. at Conway City Hall, 1111 Main St., Conway.

Conway surpassed a population of 50,000 residents in the last several years, spawning the creation of its own Urbanized Area as determined by the U.S. Census. This change made the city eligible for federal public transit funding.

In February 2018, the Conway City Council approved a resolution that named METRO the direct recipient of its Federal Transit Administration Urbanized Area Formula Program funds, referred to as 5307 funds. Through this agreement, METRO operates public transit within the city using funds that remain with METRO for use but are earmarked for Conway transit service and transit-oriented projects.