County commissioners vote to end agreement with WAVE transit

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Changes could be coming to public transportation in New Hanover County as commissioners voted 3-2 tonight to withdraw from the WAVE Transit interlocal agreement starting July 1, 2021, according to the New Hanover County Twitter account.

In a 3-2 vote at the end of today’s #NHCgov meeting, Commissioners directed staff to give notice for the county to withdraw from the Wave Transit interlocal agreement starting July 1, 2021.

— New Hanover County (@NewHanoverCo) October 22, 2019

If the agreement is withdrawn, the county would still provide transportation from human services. The county doesn’t currently fund the fixed routes within city limits, according to the county’s Twitter.

Vice-Chairwoman Olson-Boseman and Commissioners White and Kusek voted in favor; Chairman Barfield and Commissioner Zapple voted against.

Tuesday morning, WAVE Transit issued the following response:

“The Cape Fear Public Transportation is working to understand the details regarding the decision in an effort to draft a reasoned response. The Authority will consult with our board, our attorney and our main funding partner, the City of Wilmington, as we work to understand the impact the County’s decision will have on the important services provided by Wave Transit. Our goal during these discussions will be focused on continuing to provide the highest level of service to our customers and the community in the most efficient manner possible. As we work through the legal process in response to the decision by New Hanover County we will share on our plans moving forward.”