Research Triangle Park, NC (Nov. 29, 2017) – Based on public comments, GoDurham service planners have created two scenarios for simplifying bus routes, improving service frequency and providing better access to popular destinations, and now they again seek public input before finalizing the specifics of Durham’s latest Short-Range Transit Plan.
Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 29, there will be five opportunities to drop by Durham Station on Pettigrew Street to view the scenarios and provide feedback. Those interested also can take an online survey at publicinput.com/2138.
The meeting Wednesday is from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Other opportunities will be from 2 to 4 p.m. on Thursdays: Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14 and Dec. 21.
Planners will use the feedback to combine the most popular parts of each scenario into one plan to improve service over the next several years.
The scenarios were developed with input from riders and nonriders about what they like and dislike about the system and with information about existing ridership patterns and demographics.
Scenario One would, among other things, improve on-time performance systemwide, provide consistent all-day service and reallocate money spent on the Bull City Connector to adding frequency to other routes. It also would extend all-day service between North Durham and Duke University, improve connections to job sites such as Research Triangle Park and North Raleigh and reduce service in low-ridership areas. The benefits of Scenario One include:
- Adding 5.1 miles of very frequent service (every 15 minute or more all day).
- Putting 47,000 more residents and jobs within a quarter-mile of very frequent service.
- Putting 53,000 more residents and jobs within a quarter-mile of service that operates every 30 minutes or better.
Scenario Two would extend the Bull City Connector’s service area and move frequency from every 17 to every 20 minutes. It also would provide 15-minute service to high-ridership areas, including between Durham Station and The Streets at Southpoint mall, and provide direct service to the Museum of Life and Science. The benefits of Scenario Two include:
- Adding 3.9 miles of very frequent service (every 15 minute or more all day).
- Putting 9,000 more residents and jobs within a quarter-mile of very frequent service.
- Putting 9,000 more residents and jobs within a quarter-mile of service that operates every 30 minutes or better.
Providing convenient and cost-effective transit service requires balancing where buses travel, how often they arrive and what times of day they operate. Also on the table are improved night and Sunday service, new on-demand services and more direct service to other major destinations in Durham and the region.
For more information about the scenarios and opportunities to weigh in, please see godurhamtransit.org/planning or contact serviceplanning@gotriangle.org.