The City of Burlington, N.C. has awarded Transdev a three-year contract to start a new fixed-route bus service aimed to enhance mobility options for residents in the community.

The Burlington City Council approved the new three-year contract this spring and cited Transdev’s technical expertise in route design and scheduling — and experience starting services where no service has existed before — as reasons for the contract award, according to the company.

Transdev will manage maintenance, operations and dispatch of the five-route system for the Link System Public Transit Committee. Projected ridership for the first year is expected to be 38,000 once service begins in June. Burlington is the first community in the surrounding region to begin any type of public transit system.Transdev will also handle startup paratransit services for the agency.

“We’re excited to prove how a viable public transportation option can link people with businesses inside and outside the community,” said Nancy Nichols, GM of Link Transit. “Establishing a completely new bus system is a welcome challenge. We are expecting residents to enjoy the service but also to provide feedback so we can tailor the operation to the needs of the passengers.”