History

Public transportation in High Point began as it did in many cities in the early 1900s as electric street railway better known as trolleys. The City of High Point city council granted three men from New York City the franchise to operate the electric street railway. The initial fare was $0.05 per trip. Sometime later Duke Power took over the operation of the system. With the popularity of the automobile, the rail system evolved into a bus system.
Historical Terminal Image
In the 1960s there were two bus systems that served High Point. Consolidated Bus Lines and City Transportation, however only Consolidated Bus Lines continued operation. In August 1975 the City of High Point took over the operation of the system from Consolidated Bus Lines and changed the name of the service to Furn-Tex Transit. In 1978 Furn-Tex Transit was renamed, Hi Tran.  In 2017, the transit system rebranded and changed its name to High Point Transit System and changed its logo.

HPTS ACCESS

In order to assist the elderly and disabled population in High Point, the City began operating what was known as the Dial-A-Lift service in October 1977 as a subdivision of the fixed route transportation system. The program was specifically limited to those mobility-disadvantaged persons of all ages who were physically or mentally unable to access the regular transportation system due to the need of an escort, a specially equipped vehicle, or no other means of transportation. The program began with three vehicles leased from the Council on Aging and a community action group. The cost of a one-way trip anywhere in the city limits was $0.50.

In July 1978 the price of a one-way trip increased to $1. At this same time demand for service exceeded capacity on the city vehicles, and the City entered into a contract with the local cab company to assist in the transportation of those individuals who did not require an escort or a specially equipped vehicle. Over the years the price of trips has increased to $2, and in 2012 the City began operating all services with its own employees and fleet.  In 2017 the service was renamed ACCESS as part of the transit system rebranding.  The service provides those who have no or limited options access to the services they need.