Sanford’s Buzzline to celebrate with a community party

The City of Sanford and Lee County Government invite the community to celebrate the first full year of Buzzline Microtransit at a “birthday party” on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026.

The party will be held at the McSwain Center, located at 2420 Tramway Road, starting at 10:30 a.m. Guests will have the opportunity to learn more about the program, be the first to see a map of the new expanded service area, and, of course, get a slice of cake.

In lieu of gifts, bring ideas on how to finance the transit system because it was approved, knowing that the grant was time limited. Learn about the rough haul to try to continue affordable public transportation: Sanford asks taxpayers to discuss Buzzline financing as federal grant nears end.

Buzzline was launched in Nov. 2025 to provide on-demand microtransit services within a designated area of Sanford and Lee County.

Developed jointly by the City of Sanford and Lee County, the service is funded through the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Mobility for Everyone, Everywhere in NC (MEE NC) Grant until Dec. 2027 and operated by the County of Lee Transit System (COLTS).

Since its launch, Buzzline has provided more than 13,000 rides. Top destination types are medical appointments, places of employment, and educational facilities.  The United Way, Brick Capital CDC, and The Tiger Den at W.B. Wicker Elementary School have partnered with COLTS to provide trip vouchers that can be used by clients, students, and families.

“Buzzline has truly opened the door to providing individuals a mobility option that offers them the chance to get to where they need to go, seven days a week,” said Lee County Manager Lisa Minter. “Many people are building their lives with Buzzline, whether it’s transportation to classes, to a job, to obtain housing, or to participate in community activities.”

Based on overwhelming demand, the designated service area will expand this fall to include Southern Lee High School and parts of Tramway.

“Increasing transportation options for residents has long been a Sanford City Council priority,” said Mayor Rebecca Wyhof Salmon. “The community’s demand for Buzzline highlights the importance of affordable transportation that connects people with opportunities and resources to support their goals and improve their quality of life.”

Sanford was one of ten communities selected for NCDOT’s MEE NC Grant. The program’s success across the state has made it a finalist for this year’s America’s Transportation Awards in the People’s Choice category. Voting is underway and runs through Sunday, November 15, 2026. Vote daily at www.sanfordnc.net/vote.

The Buzzline birthday party is free to attend and open to all. For more information about the event, contact David Montgomery at 919-718-4657 x5392 or david.montgomery@sanfordnc.net.

Learn more about Buzzline Microtransit, and find out how to book a ride, at www.buzzlinemicro.com.

Oct. 27, 2026

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