Sarah Atkins
mnjreporter@gmail.com
The Pine Line has been running in Spruce Pine for nearly three years, yet many Mitchell County residents have yet to hop on board and see what this addition to everyday life is all about. The Pine Line, a local transportation van that is operated through Mitchell Transportation Department, was started in November of 2021 through a National Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP) grant. It was quickly determined that there was a need for such a service as the layout of Spruce Pine includes a four-and-a-half mile walk from the center of town to Walmart with few sidewalks.
“Southern hospitality” is a term that many people associate with the Mitchell County area, and for good reason. This area is full of people who do not hesitate to step up when someone is in need and build community in the most unexpected of ways. The Pine Line has been no exception to such an attitude. The National RTAP was astounded at the volunteerism in Mitchell County and how people donated land for stop locations rather than requiring rent to be paid or land to be purchased.
“Everybody was more than willing to welcome [the Pine Line] with open arms,” said Shelia Blalock, Director of the Mitchell County Department of Transportation.
The Pine Line is a free system of public transportation that serves roughly 640 1,000 people per month, with demand increasing in the summer months. It runs Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. but hopes to extend operating hours to Saturdays and through 10 p.m. to best serve passengers’ demand. The National RTAP grant that originally funded the Pine Line ended in 2023 but support has been retained from grants such as a State Rule Operating Grant for $75,000 that provides salaries and maintenance as well as funding from Mitchell County and donations from the Town of Spruce Pine. Mitchell County Transportation has also applied for a Dogwood Foundation Grant for the 2025 fiscal year that would pay driver salaries and potentially expand the Pine Line service to Saturdays.
Although the Pine Line is certainly a needed and well-managed system, it only operates in the Spruce Pine area, which several people feel is inadequate for meeting the need for such a system of fixed-route public transportation in the Bakersville area. While residents of Bakersville have access to Mitchell County Transportation services, these services require that you call ahead 24 hours and schedule a time to be picked up, this can be highly inconvenient for those in unexpected situations.
Despite the improvements yet to be made to the Pine Line, it has proved itself as a reliable and beneficial service for the community. Because of the Pine Line, people in Mitchell County who are unable to drive can maintain their independence. Those who utilize the Pine Line services can do activities from getting their groceries or picking up medications to having a morning out of the house with ease knowing that the Pine Line is on its way.