Craven Area Rural Transit System (CARTS) operates a fixed route system within New Bern, NC. Transportation of the elderly or disabled is available with no fare for life necessity trips. Life necessity is defined as a trip with a medical (including pharmacy) or nutritional purpose. Elderly, for this program, is defined at age 60 or older. Disabled is defined as a permanent disability.

GENERAL TRIPS: The general public can use CARTS Transportation services for shopping, bill paying, going to and from work, and other trips.

MEDICAL TRIPS: CARTS passengers can ride to doctors' offices, hospitals, clinics, dentists, and other health-related visits.

ELDERLY / DISABLED TRANSPORTATION: Transportation for elderly and or disabled passengers is provided within our service area. Contact CARTS for information about this grant funded program.

CARTS continued to serve a three county area (Craven, Pamlico, and Jones counties) in 2025. Although total rides decreased from 63,119 in 2024 to 57,708 in 2025, ridership still exceeded the totals from the three preceding years (2021–2023).

As shown from the most recent Community Health Needs Assessment report, the community has expressed the need for a more flexible and convenient public transit system. Craven Area Rural Transit System (CARTS) currently operates the fixed route system between the hours of 6:45 AM to 6:15 PM, Monday through Friday. The buses follow a set path with designated pickup and drop off points, like a bus stop. Riders get on or off the bus at any of the stops for a fixed price, no matter how far they travelled. A fixed route system is predictable in service expectations but lacks the flexibility some passengers need. Many community members rely on CARTS to get to work, medical appointments, or groceries, but they have to travel to a stop then potentially wait over an hour for the next bus. Based on this feedback, CARTS is considering implementing a pilot program that would change the fixed route into a microtransit system. 

What is Microtransit?

Microtransit is an on demand, public ride share service that operates similarly to a bus, but can be called when you need, and take you where you need within the service zone. Trips can be requested as needed by utilizing the app or calling directly. One of the vehicles will pick-up and drop-off passengers at the requested locations. Trips are provided on a first-come, first-serve basis but may stop for other passengers alone the way. Booking in advance is not required but is recommended.

https://www.cravencountync.gov/2401/Microtransit