KING, N.C. -- The Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation began a new PART Express service route in Stokes County Monday.

But despite high demand from citizens and county commissioners, only a handful of riders showed up to the new Park and Ride stop in King on day one.

“We encourage people to go on the Web site and look at the schedule, see if it works for them and then pass the word along to coworkers and friends," said Brooke Wemlinger, with PART.

However, both PART and city officials believe in time, the Express route will become a big hit and a big help to the people in the area.

“I think it will be a wonderful program once everybody is aware it is now available and begins to take advantage of it," said Deanne Moore, executive director of the King Chamber of Commerce.

Moore adds that perhaps more importantly, the expansion puts the area on more of an even playing field with its neighbors.

“We've had people asking about it and calling about it for some time and wondering why we were left out as opposed to Surry County and the other areas and now we don't have to give them a negative response anymore,” said Moore.

For the time being, the temporary Park and Ride lot is located at Calvary Baptist Church.

In about a month it will be moved to its permanent location at the corner of S. Main and Newsome Road.

PART also began Express service to Rural Hall Monday and plans to add a route to Yadkin County on Oct. 27.