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 

• Chris Weatherford, Dept. of Social Services 

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Jackson County Transportation Board Minutes 

August 19th, 2026 1:30 p.m.

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Those Present:

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Zack Beck, James Davis, Jenny Hooper, Amber Lambert, Sarajane Melton,

Cristian Mireles, Rene’ Moore, Christy Morrow, Chuck Oaks.

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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 May 20th , 2026 made by Cristian Mireles,

     seconded by Chuck Oaks.

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

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Old Business: 

 

➤ Performance Review.  Rene’ Moore discussed an overall increase of 777 trips during the past quarter.

     The trolley has also experienced an increase in ridership during this period.

➤ The Saturday Trolley service began in June and recorded a total of 66 passengers over the course of

      the four Saturdays.

➤ The Board discussed the possibility of extending Saturday Trolley service into the later months of
     September and October.

➤ The board also discussed the Fourth of July shuttle service that was provided on Saturday, July 4th.

      It was noted that advertising for the event parking was limited, which may have contributed to the low
      ridership. The shuttle transported a total of two passengers throughout the duration of the service.

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New Business: 

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➤ FY 28 Grant application process is underway. A public hearing is scheduled for September 1st, 2026.

     During the hearing, a report will be presented to the Commissioners regarding current activities and

     developments within the Transit Department.

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➤ The Board discussed providing transportation assistance for the upcoming Youth Arts Festival,

      scheduled for September 19, 2026.

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➤ The Board discussed upcoming shuttle services. The first shuttle will provide transportation assistance

      for the Senior Celebration, scheduled for September 18, 2026, in Swain County. A second public shuttle

      service is planned for October 21-22, 2026, to provide transportation for everyone, including those

      attending the planning conference mobile tour.

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