The Jackson County Transit Advisory Board serves as the advisory body to Jackson County Transit as lead agency in the operation of public transportation in the county.  Advises on all public transportation matters including proposed routes, service changes, ridership policies, fare structures, funding and budgets. 

 

The Transportation Advisory Board meets quarterly on the 3rd Wednesday at 1:30 PM at Jackson County Transit, 1148 Haywood Rd, Sylva, NC 28779.

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BOARD MEMBERS:

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Chairperson: Sarajane Melton, Southwestern Commission

Director: Rene Moore, Jackson County Transit

Assistant Director: Zack Beck, Jackson County Transit

• James Davis, Department on Aging

• Darlene Fox, Jackson County Finance Director

• Jenny Hooper, Jackson County Board of Commissioners

• Kevin King, Jackson County Manager

• Cristian Mireles, Community Paramedic 

• Chuck Oaks, Disability Partners 

• Sheila Setzer, Veterans Services, Department on Aging

• Si Simmons, Mountain Projects 

• Kevin Tafoya, ECBI Transit 

• German Vivas, Public Board Member

• Chris Weatherford, Dept. of Social Services 

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Jackson County Transportation Board Minutes 

May 20th, 2026 1:30 p.m.

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Those Present:

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Zack Beck, Jenny Hooper, Amber Lambert (Via Zoom), Cristian Mireles, Rene
Moore, German Vivas.

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➤ A quorum was present at the meeting.

➤ Cristian Mireles welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order.

➤ A motion to adopt the minutes of the February 18th, 2026 made by German Vivas, seconded Amber Lambert.

➤ Cristian Mireles turned the meeting over to Transit Director Rene Moore.

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Old Business: 

 

➤ Performance Review:  Rene Moore discussed an Agency Trip Count decrease for the third quarter from the second quarter.
     Although, March marked the highest number of monthly Trolley trips in more than a year.

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New Business: 

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➤ Rene discussed the potential addition of a Mobility Coordinator position in FY’28. This role would focus on promoting and

     showcasing transportation opportunities available through Jackson County Transit.

 

➤ Jackson County Transit assisted with transportation services for the Greening Up the Mountains event in Sylva. This is

     expected to contribute to increased ridership during the 4th Quarter.

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➤ The Concpt Grant was discussed, including Macon County’s use of the grant to provide trips to Asheville and Hendersonville.

     The possibility of Jackson County Transit applying for the grant was also discussed as a potential opportunity to expand

     transportation services.

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➤ A Saturday Trolley trial program will begin in June, with trolley operations scheduled each Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm.

     Future continuation of the Saturday Trolley service will depend on the results and ridership during the trial period.

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➤ Assistant Director Zack has five upcoming Transit Academy Training sessions scheduled in Winston-Salem.

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➤ Jackson County Transit will provide shuttle services for the upcoming 4th of July event, which is also expected to contribute to

     increased ridership.