Gojo transit rolls out proposed route expansions and tap-to-pay fare capping; public comment period open through July 31

Lee, a representative of the Gojo transit system, told the Jonesboro City Council the system is proposing to convert pilot routes into permanent lines and expand service into the Hilltop, Highland Drive/Culver House/Southwest Drive corridor and Matthews/Anicamp areas to improve coverage and reliability.

The presenter said the transit agency plans to introduce a tap-to-pay fare card that will enable fare capping: riders pay per trip via a stored-value card or mobile app and the system will stop charging once riders have reached the equivalent cost of a daily, weekly or monthly pass. Lee said fare capping will help riders who cannot afford to prepay for passes and that most riders should see the same or lower weekly costs under the new structure.

Lee described additional rider-facing upgrades: display screens at sheltered stops with estimated arrival times, ADA audio call buttons, RGB lighting to signal approaching buses tied to route colors, and new signage labeling stops by route number. He said shelter hardware is being connected and some sites await power activation and lighting adjustments.

Council members asked about purchasing options and accessibility. Councilman Coleman asked whether tickets or passes could be purchased online; Lee said riders can use a smartphone app or a transit card and that the system will track trips (for example, the fifth trip in a week could stop charges for the rest of the period). The presenter said fare cards can be loaded at City Hall, select resale stores, or by tying a bank or card account to the rider profile, and that discounts for veterans or seniors can be configured on individual accounts.

Lee also announced the transit system’s public comment period runs through July 31 and invited residents to a public hearing in a town-hall format on July 15 at the youth center, 1421 West Nettleton, starting at 4 p.m. He provided an email for feedback: gojofeedback@jonesboroughar.gov and said a map of proposed routes will be available both online and at the meeting.

The report framed the changes as intended to improve reliability, reduce wait times through route realignment, broaden coverage to underserved neighborhoods, and move the system toward long-term financial sustainability. The council did not take formal action on the proposals at the meeting; the presenter encouraged public participation during the comment window.