Closing Monroe's 5-Mile Opportunity Gap with Expanded Local Transit
In many communities, a five-mile trip is a simple task—a quick drive, a short bus ride, or even a comfortable bike commute. But in Monroe, where public transportation is extremely limited, five miles can feel like an insurmountable barrier for those who rely on walking or cycling to get to work. For residents facing economic challenges, this distance can mean the difference between securing stable employment and being stuck in a cycle of hardship.
The Challenge: A Short Distance, a Big Barrier
Monroe is home to a thriving manufacturing sector, with employers like Charlotte Pipe & Foundry, Darnel, and ATI Specialty Materials offering well-paying jobs. Many of these facilities are concentrated along the Airport Road corridor—just over five miles from Downtown Monroe, where many residents in need of job opportunities live.
Downtown Monroe is also home to a community shelter providing food, housing, and economic mobility services. Many individuals utilizing these services do not have access to a car, making walking and biking their only options. While some jobs are within walking or biking distance, higher-paying positions that could significantly improve economic mobility are just beyond reach.
But getting to these jobs isn’t easy. Much of Old Charlotte Highway, the main route to Airport Road, lacks sidewalks, making walking unsafe. For those using bicycles, heavy traffic and limited infrastructure create serious risks.
The challenge is even greater for workers on overnight shifts, which often start at midnight. Walking or biking five miles in the dark, in unpredictable weather, isn’t just impractical—it’s unsafe. As a result, many who are eager to work find themselves unable to reach these opportunities.
Current Transportation Options—and Their Gaps
Union County provides some transportation services, but they primarily focus on medical needs:
Local routes within Union County (Medical appointments only)
Transportation to Matthews, Salisbury, and Charlotte (Medical appointments only)
Limited non-medical transportation on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, with set drop-off and pick-up times (maximum two-hour trips)
While these services are important, they don’t meet the needs of residents looking for reliable transportation to work. Without a practical transit solution, people who want to build a better future find themselves stuck—just a few miles away from jobs that could provide stability.
A Vision for Expanded Transit: Connecting People to Opportunity
What if five miles didn’t have to be a barrier? Expanding transit within Monroe could connect residents with job opportunities while making our community safer and more accessible.
A stronger local transit system—whether through extended county-operated routes, a dedicated job connector shuttle, or partnerships with ride-share services—could provide:
Reliable Transportation to Job Centers: Ensuring workers can access employment opportunities at all hours, including overnight shifts.
Safer Commutes: Reducing pedestrian and cyclist exposure to high-traffic roads lacking sidewalks.
Stronger Local Businesses: Helping employers fill open positions with local talent rather than relying solely on commuters from outside the county.
Pathways to Financial Independence: Giving residents the reliable transportation they need to take control of their futures.
Building a More Connected Monroe
WalkSafe Monroe sees this as more than just a transportation issue—it’s a chance to build a stronger, more connected community. That’s why we’re working to bring together local leaders, businesses, and transportation agencies to find practical, long-term solutions that make transit accessible for those who need it most.
We want to hear from community members with ideas on how to shape this effort. Whether you’re a business owner seeking dependable workers, a resident with firsthand experience of these challenges, or a city leader ready to explore new solutions, your input is essential. Let’s work together to ensure reliable transit isn’t just an idea—it’s a reality for Monroe.