Private microtransit operator pitches NEMT and local service; board asks for ridership and cost data

Kimberly Wingate, owner/operator of Wilmington Regional Transit, presented a proposal to establish local microtransit and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) in Stafford and nearby cities, saying the operator emphasizes CDL drivers, FBI fingerprint checks and rapid backup vehicles for breakdowns. Wingate said some funding avenues may require nonprofit status and that she would need local funding or partnership to launch service.

Board members questioned ridership assumptions and operating costs and asked Wingate to submit a larger packet with detailed ridership projections, operating-cost estimates and a range of service models. As one board member put it, "Talk to me about ridership. Talk to me about operating cost," reflecting the board's request that any funding decision be guided by data and demand studies. The board did not approve funding at the meeting and encouraged the proposer to return with a fuller packet for due diligence and potential county or multi-city partnership discussions.