The Rural Operating Assistance Program (ROAP) Grant is an annual grant distributed by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) that includes funding from both the federal and state governments. All 100 North Carolina counties receive a percentage of ROAP funds. The distribution amounts are based on a formula that accounts for population, urbanized area and prior services provided. The grant amount is determined by NCDOT - Public Transportation Division which then informs the county of its allotment amount.

With this grant, the Community Transportation Program provides transportation assistance for several different types of riders, including the elderly and disabled, those needing assistance for job access, and the general public. It consists of three main funding parts: the Elderly and Disabled Transportation Assistance Program, as well as the Work First and Rural General Public allotments.

Elderly and Disabled Transportation Assistance Program
In order to assist the elderly and disabled with their transportation needs, the Community Transportation Program offers eligible clients free transportation assistance to medical appointments within Cumberland County. Eligible riders must meet certain requirements: must be 60+ years of age or disabled with doctor's verification, live within Cumberland County, be mobile by means of walker, cane or wheelchair, not live in a nursing or rest home, and not be eligible for any other transportation services. EDTAP services are not intended to replace other transportation services you may be qualified for. Therefore, those who are able to receive assistance through Medicaid and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are not eligible for EDTAP services.

In addition, transportation for the following group of local human service agencies are funded by EDTAP through the Community Transportation Program:

Work First Program
The Work First Program is a statewide welfare-reform initiative that focuses on work and personal responsibility and offers welfare recipients job training, job placement, retention counseling, child care and transportation assistance to help them leave welfare for work. Substance-abuse treatment and domestic violence counseling are available when needed. It provides financial/medical assistance, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), to families that meet state and federal eligibility requirements. Contact the Work First section of the Department of Social Services to find out how to qualify for this free service.
  • Program Manager A - K: 910-677-2424
  • Program Manager L - Z: 910-677-2318
Rural General Public
The Rural General Public (RGP) funding operates a fixed route bus line utilizing the Fayetteville Area System of Transit to provide transportation to and from Spring Lake and Fayetteville. This bus line, Route 40, is open to the general public; anyone who pays the fare is eligible to ride. The current route travels from the Cross Creek Mall out to the Deerfield Subdivision of Spring Lake. Contact the Fayetteville Area System of Transit for more information at 910-433-1747.
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