Access GoWake SmartRide NE via the Go Access! App:
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
or book by calling 919-212-7005.
Go where you want to go, when you want to go!
There’s a new, easy way to catch a ride Northeast Wake County! GoWake SmartRide NE offers rideshare options for the residents of Zebulon, Wendell, Knightdale and the unincorporated areas in between. The best part? It's fare-free!
Ve donde quieras, cuando quieras
SmartRide Student Rider Application
To ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers, GoWake SmartRide will require high school and middle school students to apply for continued use of the SmartRide program. The survey requires students to provide the contact information of a legal guardian and acknowledge the terms of use outlined on the GoWake SmartRide rider guide. After October 1st, 2024, student riders who have not registered through the survey will be refused service. The survey will remain open for new riders. Please contact the GoWake call center at 919-212-7005 for registration questions or concerns.
***PARENTS: GoWake SmartRide is a transportation program available to the general public. By allowing your child to ride, you acknowledge that GoWake is NOT responsible for managing where the student is and is not allowed to travel off of school grounds***
SmartRide Rider Guide
How Does it Work?
To request a ride, you can use the GoAccess! app or call the GoWake Access call center.
Once your ride has been requested, you’ll meet the vehicle at the designated spot and head to your destination!
You may be sharing the ride with other riders in your community headed in the same direction as you.
Vehicles comply with American Disabilities Act and Title VI Anti-discrimination Act.
Wake County Northeast Microtransit Study
GoWake SmartRide NE is a result of a study on microtransit in the northeastern areas of Wake County.
Microtransit is an on-demand service (similar to Lyft or Uber) that allows users to request same-day service from a pickup location to a specified location. The study area includes the towns of Zebulon, Rolesville, Wendell and the surrounding unincorporated areas like Riley Hill, Hopkins, Lizard Lick and Eagle Rock. The project aim is to launch an on-demand service that provides residents with greater access to jobs, school, healthcare and other essential services.
Have questions about GoWake SmartRide NE?
Call 919-212-7005.
GoWake SmartRide NE Frequently Asked Questions
What is this service?
GoWake SmartRide NE is an on-demand public transit service that allows riders to schedule same-day trips within the northeastern region of Wake County through a mobile app or phone call. Those in Northeast Wake County can use SmartRide NE to travel to any location within the designated area.
How to get registered for Mobility by Ecolane?
Download the app "GoAccess!" If you can access your login credentials based upon the previous app "Mobility by Ecolane," sign in with those credentials. If you are a first-time user or do not remember your login information, please call 919-212-7005 to get registered. A Call Center Representative will assist you through the registration process. Please note: All passengers under 18 not riding with a guardian must be registered and show a form of ID.
How do I qualify for this service?
People who live in the service area of Northeast Wake County are eligible to use the service. The SmartRide service zone covers in and around:
- Zebulon
- Wendell
- Knightdale
- Riley Hill
- Hopkins
- Lizard Lick
- Eagle Rock
How do I book a ride?
Riders can schedule a trip through the GoAccess app or call 919-212-7005.
What are the points of interests in the geofenced service area?
The geofencing zones include the towns of Zebulon, Wendell, Knightdale, and the surrounding unincorporated areas. The project aim is to launch an on-demand service that provides residents with greater access to jobs, school, healthcare and other essential services; however, customers traveling beyond the zone will need to transfer to another transit service.
Regional connections would be possible with:
- GoRaleigh’s Route 33 in Knightdale,
- GoTriangle’s Zebulon-Wendell-Raleigh Express.
Where do I wait for my ride?
Once a ride has been requested, you will meet the vehicle at the designated spot (the closest corner to your location) and can be driven anywhere within the service area.
How do I know when my vehicle arrives?
Riders using the GoAccess app will have a live ETA of their SmartRide NE van. Riders who schedule via phone call will have an estimated pick-up window of 30 minutes within their requested pick-up time.
How much does this cost?
There is no cost to ride Smartride!
In December 2021, the Wake County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved providing fare-free service.
The one-year investment will allow Wake County to measure the benefits of fare-free service, ensure that word spreads across neighborhoods and provide the opportunity for riders to integrate fare-free trips into their daily routines.
Can I bring my child?
Yes! Please make sure to note when requesting a ride that you will have an additional passenger.
I don’t have a smartphone, can I still create an account?
Yes! GoWake SmartRide ensures that individuals without a smartphone or internet connection can still access the service. Riders can call 919-212-7005 to schedule a SmartRide NE trip.
Can I book multiple rides a day?
Yes!
How far in advance can I request a ride?
Riders can request a trip up to 24 hours in advance.
What are the hours of operation?
GoWake SmartRide operates Monday through Friday, 6 a.m.–7 p.m.
Who will be my driver?
All SmartRide drivers are contracted by Wake County and will be driving designated vans with the GoWake SmartRide NE logo plainly displayed.
Is this service safe?
Yes! All SmartRide drivers comply with Federal Transit Administration safety requirements and have completed safety training courses, background checks and pre-employment/random drug testing.
Before your ride, make sure you are boarding the SmartRide NE van and your driver matches the photo on their profile.
What platform is this app available on?
SmartRide NE trips can be booked via the GoAccess! mobile application.
How many people will I share a ride with?
Riders can share the van with up to nine (9) other passengers.
What are the COVID-19 protocols for GoWake Smart Rides?
Riders are required per federal law to wear masks while on the transit vans.
While all GoWake SmartRides transit vans are cleaned, fueled and checked as part of standard daily operations, in response to the evolving COVID-19 concern, GoWake SmartRides has taken additional precautionary measures including:
- Spraying and wiping all bus areas with commercial disinfecting spray;
- Spraying and wiping door handles, all areas and surfaces throughout transit van multiple times a day with commercial disinfecting spray; and
- Providing sanitizing pumps for bus operators and riders use on all transit vans.
I’m going shopping; how many bags can I bring on the van with me?
Due to safety and space constraints, Passengers can bring up to 2 bags per person that they can safely carry.
GoWake SmartRide NE- Rider Survey
As part of the ongoing evaluation of the GoWake SmartRide program, Wake County Health and Human Services are distributing a short survey for riders. We value your input and would appreciate a moment of your time to respond to some questions about your demographics and overall rider experience with the program.
Your responses are anonymous and will not affect your eligibility for SmartRide services in the future.
Title VI Notice to the Public
Wake County Health & Human Services operates its programs and services without regard to race, color and national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Any person who believes he or she has been aggrieved by any unlawful discriminatory practice under Title VI may file a complaint with Wake County Health & Human Services.
For more information on the Wake County Health & Human Services civil rights program, and the procedure to file a complaint, call 919-212-7155 (TTY 800-735-2962), email psnelling@wake.gov or visit our administrative office at Wake County Health & Human Services: 220 Swinburne St., Room 2161, Raleigh, NC 27610.
A complainant may file a complaint directly with the Federal Transit Administration by filing a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights, Attention: Title VI Program Coordinator, East Building, 5th Floor – TCR, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, Washington, D.C. 20590.
If information is needed in another language, call 919-212-7155.
Civil Rights Protections
GoWake Access is committed to operating transportation programs and services without regard to disability, race, color or national origin, in accordance with applicable federal statutes:
- Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act
- Title VI of the Civil Rights Act
Reasonable Modification Public Notice
GoWake Access is committed to ensuring a reliable, accessible experience for all customers. If, due to a disability, you are not able to fully use GoWake Access's programs and services because of a policy or procedure that has been established, you may submit a request for a modification of the policy or procedure. To request a modification, complete a Request for Modification of Policy/Procedure Form, which is available online at or by calling 919-212-7360 (TTY 800-735-2962). All requests for reasonable modifications to GoWake Access policies or procedures will be considered on an individual basis. Please note that GoWake Access may be unable to accommodate requests for modifications which would:
- Result in a fundamental alteration to the nature of the service;
- Create a direct threat to the health or safety of others, and;
- Create an undue financial or administrative burden.
Requests for modifications might also not be granted if the director determines that the service can be fully used without the requested change. In the event that a barrier to access exists, but the requested modification cannot be granted, GoWake Access will, to the maximum extent possible, assist in determining other possible actions that might be taken to provide access to its programs and services.