Transit

Below is a listing of content related to this term.
  • Wake Transit Plan to be Reviewed by Town Councils- Wake County has released a draft plan for improving and expanding bus and rail service in Wake County. Wake County Commissioners now want each Wake city and town council to review the proposed Wake Transit Plan and obtain their approval for moving forward with a transit funding referendum. David Cooke, Wake County Manager, and David King, General Manager of Triangle Transit, recently presented the plan at a Capital Area Friends of Transit event. View the presentation here. You can also view a summary and maps of the plan on WakeUP's Land Use and Transportation tab. For a more comprehensive look, check out the whole plan on Wake County's website. The first town council briefing is for the town of Garner, 7:30pm on December 15th.
  • Transit 'core' Op-ed in News & Observer- There's a good case to be made for what could be called the all-the-way approach to mass transit improvements in the Triangle - load on the works, with expanded bus service plus commuter trains and light rail.

    But it also can be argued that undertaking all of those transit upgrades at once would be too ambitious. Wake County Manager David Cooke's latest strategy reflects a sense that it would be better to stretch things out - better financially and better politically. He could be on the right track.

    Speaking of tracks: It's the rail component of the overall improvement plan that causes heartburn here and there, especially among some of our local conservatives. But Cooke makes a distinction between commuter rail service that could be up and running fairly quickly, using existing N.C. Railroad tracks through the heart of the Triangle, and light rail between Cary and north Raleigh, which would be a new animal.

  • Vote YES on Transportation and Housing Bond Referendums! -

    Raleigh residents can vote October 11 on a pedestrian/transit/bicycle focused transportation bond AND an affordable housing bond! WakeUP Wake County and many other local organizations have endorsed the bonds. Remember, if you can't vote on Election Day (Oct. 11), you can vote absentee or early NOW!


    $40M Transportation Improvements Bond is multi-modal (i.e. not just about cars). It will:
    · Fix potholes and resurface roads
    · Build new sidewalks and repair damaged sidewalks
    · Extend the Greenway system and add bike lines
    · Widen roads, help with corridor planning and streetscape programs
    · Improve transit including Moore Square, bus shelters & benches
    · Implement improvements on Union Station (leverages $20M + federal funds)

  • Raleigh-Durham, biggest gas-guzzling metro in the nation-

    The Triangle region has recently received a number "quality of life" awards and remains a desirable region for newcomers for the time being.  However, the realities of unplanned growth are beginning to emerge.  Forbes Magazine recently ranked Raleigh-Durham as THE biggest gas-guzzler in the nation!  Raleigh-Durham residents drive and consume more gas than Los Angeles, Atlanta, Houston, and other cities typically associated with heavy automobile use.

  • Durham-Orange moves forward with regional transit-

    Officials in Durham and Orange Counties have offered their support for a regional transit plan that will encompass bus improvements and the eventual light rail and commuter rail projects.  This is an exciting time for Durham and Orange, with a potential referendum on a half-cent sales tax to fund a portion of the project possibly set for this Fall, 2011.

    DURHAM -- Officials of Durham, Chapel Hill and Carrboro unanimously endorsed this morning a plan for transit improvements and a fall referendum on a sales tax to help pay for it.

    "This will mean a huge increase in the public transit services we are able to provide," said Carrboro Mayor Mark Chilton. "A huge new reach deep into our county."

    The plan calls for additional bus service in and between the three cities along with a light-rail line between UNC Hospitals and East Durham.

  • SpeakUP for Wake County's future!-

    North Carolina's share of federally approved high-speed rail funding is in danger! Members of the NC General Assembly have attempted to place the brakes on federally funded passenger rail projects in NC by introducing a bill (H422, sponsored by Rep. Killian and Frye) that will stall high-speed rail by requiring all federal investments in our state to go through an extensive legislative approval process. NC risks losing over $500 million for high speed rail!

    Please speakUP TODAY and let Triangle legislators know that high-speed rail is critical to the Triangle communities, for our state's mobility, for future economic investment, and for job growth across our state.

  • Award for WakeUP's transit efforts-

    Executive Director of WakeUP Wake County received the Women in Transportation (WTS) Triangle Chapter 2011 Woman of the Year Award:

  • Transit referendum delayed-

    Wake County Commissioners have decided to delay a voter referendum planned this fall for a half-cent sales tax that would fund new transit - light rail, commuter rail, and bus improvements throughout Wake County.

  • NCDOT Bicycle/Pedestrian Survey - please fill out!-

    The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) wants to hear from you. How safe do you feel riding your bike or walking in your neighborhood?  The NCDOT recently released a survey that seeks to evaluate the need for bike lanes, sidewalks, public education and more.  Fill out the 2011 NCDOT Statewide Public Input Questionnaire on Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety below:

    http://www.itre.ncsu.edu/Public/Bike-Ped-NCDOT-Survey.html

  • Raleigh/Cary 5th LONGEST commute in the nation!-

    The Triangle Region continues to grow and, as of July 2010, Wake County is the LARGEST COUNTY in North and South Carolina!  As growth continues to reshape our region and transportation needs, we must work to improve regional transit services!

    Driven Apart, a recent transportation report, ranks how long residents in the nation's largest 51 metropolitan areas spend in peak hour traffic.  Raleigh/Cary ranks 5th on the list of cities with the LONGEST COMMUTES.  According to the report, Triangle residents spend more time traveling to work each day than regional commuters in most other major metropolitan areas including Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago.  Read the full report here.

  • New report predicts a healthy demand in the Triangle for commuter rail!-

    A new study released yesterday, says that by 2022 the state-owned N.C. Railroad could serve at least 3 million riders a year in commuter trains on its 140-mi. line between Greensboro and Goldsboro. Commuter trains use conventional diesel locomotives to carry suburban residents during rush hour periods to jobs and universities in urban areas.  A commuter rail line running between Goldsboro and Greensboro would link a corridor containing 18 colleges and universities, effectively reducing congestion and improving air quality.  Read more about the study in Bruce Siceloff's article, 'Study: Rush-hour rail could ease commuter crunch'.

  • Triangle Supports Sales Tax for Transit-

    A poll released this week indicates that 58% of voters in Wake, Durham and Orange Counties are willing to pay a half-cent sales tax to fund a regional transit system of expanded bus and rail.  Voters also said that travel between the Triangle counties should be the highest priority for public transit, as well as travel to RTP.  The poll was conducted in March for the Regional Transportation Alliance.

     

  • Capital Area Friends of Transit Announces New Website About Transit in the Triangle-
    Visit www.capitalareafriendsoftransit.org to experience this exciting new online tool where you can also sign the CAFT petition supporting regional transit.     The Capital Area Friends of Transit (CAFT), a local alliance of civic organizations, community leaders and citizens, is pleased to announce the release of a new transit website that will serve as an online resource for citizens interested in public transit. The new website aims to keep the public informed and engaged as Triangle leaders develop a plan for a regional transit system. CAFT is coordinating public outreach efforts with Durham-Orange Friends of Transit (DO Transit) and Triangle Transit, which is working with a consultant to hold a series of public involvement meetings throughout the region to educate citizens on transit proposals and seek public input for future transit options.
  • Southeast High Speed Rail: New Environmental Report Released-

    A high speed passenger rail line will connect Raleigh to Washington D.C. to the north and Charlotte to the south in the near future. Plans are underway to finalize the route and new challenges surrounding track interface with Downtown Raleigh have emerged.  CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL REPORT AND VIEW ROUTE MAPS.   Route Option 1 would allow construction along existing CSX tracks that branch to the west of Capital Blvd, north of Jones St. and Option 2 would direct trains to the east of Capital. Read more about concerns surrounding pedestrian and vehicular connectivity, and preliminary construction cost estimates in Bruce Siceloff's recent article in the N&O titled 'Tracks might divide Raleigh'.

  • Car sharing program now available in Raleigh!-

    WeCar vehicle

    A new car sharing program is now available for Wake residents.  WeCar is a membership-based car sharing program for people who are looking for an alternative method of transportation that lowers the cost and reduces the hassles of traditional transportation.

  • Southeast High Speed Rail Public Hearing-
    Monday, July 26, 5:00-7:00pm

    Plans for high speed rail service between Raleigh and Washington D.C. to the north and Charlotte to the south are underway. Complications regarding track interface with the existing urban fabric of Downtown Raleigh have emerged and require your attention and feedback. Please attend this hearing to learn more and comment on two potential route options. Learn More!
  • Transit or Traffic?- Urge your State Senator and Senate Finance Committee Chairs and Members to support the Transit Bill aka the "Congestion Relief/Intermodal Transport Fund" Senate Bill 151 / House Bill 148. Otherwise, enjoy the traffic: Help Dan, Save Traffic
  • Transit and Landuse-
    -----------Why Transit?-----------

    Population Growth Challenges
    Transit Benefits You
    Transit Success
    Creating Vibrant Centers
  • TRANSIT forum Huge Success!- Carol ColettaThe June 26 forum Transit: Is Wake County Ready for it? attracted almost 300 attendees and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Transit is an issue clearly gaining public support. Keynote speakers, Carol Coletta, CEOs for Cities, and Keith Parker, CEO of Charlotte's transit system, were dynamic and informative. Triangle J's John Hodges-Kopple explained the new proposal for regional transit recommended by the Special Transit Advisory Commission. Many more people viewed the forum live on WRAL's news channel and wral.com and will see it soon on the Raleigh Television Network. Elected officials from across Wake County attended the event, as did representatives of community organizations, business leaders and local government staff. Forum panelists were engaging and explained what opportunities transit can provide for economic development and a better quality of life. The extensive coverage in the television, print and radio media has further communicated the messages of the forum to a broader Triangle community. WakeUP plans to work with community leaders and organizations to build public education and support for transit in Wake County and the Triangle.
  • High Speed Rail Funds Awarded to NC!-

    U.S. and state officials gathered in Durham yesterday to announce $545 million in federal rail money for North Carolina.  The funds will be used right away to get trains running faster and more often between Raleigh and Charlotte -- with top speed of 90 mph by 2015.  These funds are a portion of $8 billion in stimulus funds given to several states to increase inter-city rail travel. 

     

     

  • Charlotte Area Tops Nation In Growth Of Public Transit Use-

    IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                      
    Contact: Olaf Kinard (704) 336-0258 or Jean Leier (704) 432-0496
    December 1, 2009

    Charlotte tops the nation in the growth of people using public transit between 2006 and 2008 increasing 47 percent based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, a monthly randomly-sampled survey of area residents, which included questions about commuting choices.

  • Raleigh-Cary Area Dangerous for Pedestrians-

    The Raleigh-Cary metro area recently earned a new distinction - not only is it the fastest growing metropolitan area in the country, but now it's been ranked the sixth most dangerous area in the country for pedestrians, according to a new report issued by Transportation for America.

  • New Express Bus links Zebulon and Wendell to Raleigh!- The much-needed and much-anticipated rush-hour express bus between Raleigh and the eastern Wake towns of Zebulon and Wendell will start service on Monday October 26!
  • WakeUP Wake County Applauds Governor Perdue for Signing Transit Bill into Law- For immediate release:

    Contact:  Karen Rindge, Executive Director, WakeUP Wake County, 828-3833, 637-4271 (M)
    Date:      August 27, 2009

    The Triangle is one major step closer to building a regional mass transit system. Today, WakeUP Wake County and other civic organizations applaud Governor Bev Perdue for signing HB 148, legislation that will allow plans to build a regional public transit system in the Triangle. Gov. Perdue signed the bill into law at a ceremony in the state capitol building at 8:30 am this morning. The new law authorizes referenda in Triangle counties to fund a transit system of expanded bus service and light rail through a half cent sales tax, and authorizes other funding measures for transit.

  • Reinventing the Way We Commute-

    Soaring gas prices have more commuters leaving their cars and switching to company-subsidized transportation. It saves money and the environment, and they can work while they commute

  • WakeUP Wake County Applauds NC Senate for Advancing Mass Transit and Falls Lake Cleanup- For immediate release:

    Contact: Karen Rindge, Executive Director, WakeUP WakeCounty, 828-3833, 637-4271 (C)
    Date:     August 6, 2009

    Triangle residents stand to gain from two significant actions by the N.C. Senate yesterday. Amidst the flurry of legislative activity yesterday, as the NC General Assembly prepares to wrap-up its 2009 session, the Senate passed HB 148, legislation that will allow plans to build a regional mass transit system in the Triangle. The bill, almost identical to one passed by the NC House of Representatives in April, authorizes referenda in Triangle counties to fund a transit system through a half cent sales tax, and authorizes other funding measures for transit. The Senate also approved environmental legislation (HB 1099) that included provisions to start the cleanup process for Falls Lake.

  • Little known US transit systems- I just read an interesting article on Grist.org about transit systems across the US that you don't hear much about.  I hope to see the Triangle area on this list in the not too distant future!  Click here to check it out.
  • New Poll Shows Support for Transit in the Triangle!-

    The Regional Transportation Alliance (RTA), a Triangle business organization and member of the Capital Area Friends of Transit, released a poll of Triangle voters on March 24 that demonstrates significant support for transit. More than 60% of those polled in Wake, Durham and Orange Counties support a mixture of expanded bus service, light rail and commuter rail to link our communities via mass transit. They also said clearly that a transit system should be regional, rather than just local.

  • Raleigh-Cary Area Ranks Top in US in Growth! WakeUP Calls for Transit-

    WAKEUP WAKE COUNTY SAYS NEW GROWTH DATA SUPPORTS NEED FOR TRANSIT BILL

    WakeUP Wake County, a citizens' nonprofit supporting good growth solutions in Wake County and the Triangle, is calling upon the North Carolina General Assembly to move quickly to approve legislation needed to support plans for regional transit. "According to census data released today, the Raleigh-Cary area is the fastest growing metro area in the nation. Yet we are one of the few urban areas without a real transit system," said Karen Rindge, WakeUP's executive director. "We need to act now on plans for transit, and passing HB 148 / SB 151 - the Congestion Relief transit legislation is absolutely necessary to help up get moving on a bus and rail mass transit system," Rindge commented.

    "We are number one in growth, and if we don't plan for the doubling of population expected in the Triangle in the next 20 years, we will experience greatly increased traffic congestion, air pollution and sprawl," said Rindge.

  • East Wake Bus Service Forums & Surveys-

    Triangle Transit, along with the City of Raleigh and the Towns of Knightdale, Wendell, and Zebulon, is considering the introduction of bus service to eastern Wake County. Triangle Transit would like to collect as much feedback about this potential service from any commuters who live in eastern Wake County or areas further east.

    http://www.gotriangle.org/ewake

    The GoTriangle.org site contains information about upcoming information forums in Knightdale, Wendell, and Zebulon and links to online surveys which are currently “live” and will remain open until March 13th. All of the material on the site is available in Spanish.

  • CAMPO Releases Transit Map-

    CAMPO Transit MapThe Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO), a group of local mayors and county commissioners, are currently reviewing long-range plans for transportation in Wake County and beyond.

    On Wednesday, CAMPO met to review plans for transportation and transit through 2035. CAMPO released a new transit map, that proposes light rail all the way from Apex to Cary, Raleigh and Wake Forest -- and commuter rail to Garner and Clayton. Bus service will be greatly expanded too.

    Of course, several things must happen BEFORE this transit system will be implemented. CAMPO must approve this plan (possibly Feb. 21), legislation must pass the NC General Assembly, and the voters must pass a referendum for funding.

    Go to CAMPO to comment on the 2035 Long-Range Transportation Plan.

  • STAC Regional Transit Vision Plan-

    Transit BusThe Special Transit Advisory Commission (STAC) has developed a Regional Transit Vision Plan for the Triangle to provide a framework for future investments. The recommendations reflect the complexity of our region, which requires multi-pronged, multi-modal strategies to building a complete transportation system. The plan, released May 29th, recommends a high-quality, regional transit system to serve North Carolina’s Research Triangle Region by promoting closer connections between our land use and transportation patterns and providing more travel choices for our growing population. Three major categories of investments are recommended: