Where Transit Goes, Communities Grow

Public transportation transforms communities and the lives of the people living in them by spurring economic development, promoting sustainable lifestyles and providing a higher quality of life.  Every segment of American society – individuals, families, communities, and businesses – benefits from public transportation. Wave Transit is no exception. As the public transportation provider for the Cape Fear region, the benefits of transit translate to our local community. These benefits are summarized under the categorizes listed below:

A Stronger Economy

Did you know…

Wave Transit employs approximately 130 workers, 15% of whom are Veterans, providing $4 million in annual salaries. We directly purchase an additional $1.5 million in goods and services from our local community (more).

A Safer Community

Did you know…

Wave Transit provides 1.3 million fixed route bus and shuttle trips per year. The advantages of traffic reduction, at an average rate of  117 vehicles per day, on our roadways as a result of the use of public transportation, a shared ride option, are felt community wide (more).

Did you know…

Forden Station and the Downtown Transfer Station accommodate over 90,000 transfers on an annual basis. In 2011, Forden Station replaced four covered shelter amenities on Columb Dr. behind Target as Wave Transit’s main transfer station. Forden Station provides a safe, off street environment and adequate amenities for customers to transfer or wait on a bus.

Effective January 2020, the new Downtown Transfer Station, located on 3rd St. and Campbell St., will replace the current, on street transfer center located at 2nd St. and Princess St. The revised location provides enhanced safety for customers as well as pedestrian and motor vehicle traffic travelling along 2nd St. and Princess St.

A Cleaner Environment

Did you know…

Wave Transit is transitioning its fleet from diesel and gasoline powered vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fueled vehicles. The environmental benefits have equated to 93% lower CO2 emissions into the atmosphere and the economic benefits since 2015 have resulted in a total savings of over $532,000 (more).

The Wilmington Multimodal Transportation Center/Downtown Transfer Station to Open on Saturday, January 18, 2020

Several years in the making, the first phase of the Wilmington Multimodal Transportation Center, the Authority’s Downtown Transfer Station, will open its doors on Saturday, January 18, 2020. The facility is a significant upgrade to the existing on-street, Downtown Transfer Center located on 2nd St. and Princess St. The new station provides customers with safer and more comfortable accommodations. Minor route modifications will be implemented in conjunction with the opening of the revised station. Details regarding these changes will be available mid-December 2019. A ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony is scheduled for 1:00pm on Friday, January 17, 2020.

The new facility is an adaptive reuse project of the historic Neuwirth Brothers Building, a Volkswagen garage built in the 1920s, that remained vacant for several years. The integrity of the building was preserved, and we are pleased to offer a revitalized, functional facility to our customers and the greater community.

Port City Trolley Unveiling Event

A big thank you to the local dignitaries, Wave Transit Board members, and local supporters for attending the Port City Trolley (PCT) unveiling event on Monday, November 25, 2019. The event was held in the South Front District at Trolley Stop #10 located at Greenfield St. and Second St. The new trolley vehicle, design for the revised trolley program, and permanent signage for each of the designated trolley stops were revealed during the event. We are excited to offer a revised downtown trolley service that meets the needs of our growing community. Check out images from the unveiling and 5 district ribbon cutting below. Click HERE for a Trolley Map and Schedule for the new Port City Trolley.

Notification of Grant Funding Opportunity

Wave Transit offers an annual opportunity for nonprofits, local government, and private providers of public transportation to apply for grant funding to support transportation projects for people age 65 and over and people with disabilities.

Effective November 1, 2019 until January 8, 2020 the grant application period is now open.

Click HERE to view or download the application.

Past Grantees

1. The Brunswick Center at Leland, Brunswick Senior Resources INC.
2. New Hanover County Senior Resource Center

Valerie shares her experience Riding the Wave

Click on the image below to watch the video now!