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 and pharmacy pickups within Cumberland County. Eligible riders must meet certain requirements: 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:

Please call 910-678-7619 for more information, or to see if you qualify.
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
Starting September 1, 2009, the Community Transportation Program will be providing rural transportation to the general public. This program offers our rural residents the opportunity to access health care, education, shopping, and employment. Eligible clients must be residing in a rural area of the county, as determined by the 2000 Census. Trips are provided Monday thru Friday from 5:00 am to 8:00 pm for a cost of $2.05 per one-way trip. Please call 910-678-7675 for more information, or to see if you qualify.
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