At Vance-Granville Community College, we know that student success doesn’t start in the classroom—it begins by addressing the challenges that keep some students from entering the classroom in the first place. Since early 2020, one way that the College has supported students facing transportation difficulties was through an official partnership with Kerr Area Transportation Authority, also known as KARTS. Through the partnership, the College was able to cover ride costs for students who used KARTS to pursue their VGCC education.
As of this fall, Vance-Granville Community College will not be continuing its partnership with KARTS, but that does not change the College’s commitment to supporting students who have utilized these services. VGCC advisors are already connecting with impacted students and helping them find alternative transportation solutions.
Why is the official VGCC/KARTS partnership ending?
KARTS has experienced a loss of federal, state, and local funding that forced significant changes to their service rates. Since these changes would result in a cost increase of at least 400% for VGCC, the College has made the difficult decision to suspend its official partnership with KARTS.
Vance-Granville Community College is grateful to KARTS for the many students we have supported together over our seven-year partnership!
When will Vance-Granville stop paying for students’ KARTS rides?
The last date that the College will cover costs for students traveling to VGCC locations via KARTS will be Monday, October 12, 2026. From Tuesday, October 13, VGCC students who choose to use KARTS services will be responsible for their own fare.
Will the College partner with another transportation service?
At this time, the College has no plans to partner with another transportation service provider. VGCC has researched other alternatives that provide similar services to KARTS and has not found a sustainable replacement.
Why can’t The VGCC Foundation pay for my ride fare?
Monetary gifts to The VGCC Foundation (VGCCF) are typically designated for a specific purpose, and that purpose legally restricts The Foundation from using those funds for any other programs or projects. While The Foundation is generously supported by organizations and individuals throughout the communities the College serves, VGCCF cannot pull funds from initiatives like scholarships, expansion projects, and the food pantry to pay for KARTS services.
