Research Triangle Park, NC (Dec. 6, 2017) – In an effort to gather as much feedback as possible on two scenarios for the Short-Range Transit Plan, GoDurham has added two more opportunities to hear about plans for simplifying bus routes, improving service frequency and providing better access to popular destinations.
Residents can stop by the second floor of Durham Station on Pettigrew Street on Dec. 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. or on Dec. 16 from 2 to 4 p.m. That’s in addition to drop-in meetings already scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. on Dec. 7, Dec. 14 and Dec. 21.
Those interested in the transit plans also can take an online survey at publicinput.com/2138.
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 combined with information about existing ridership patterns and demographics.
Scenario One would, among other things, improve on-time performance system-wide, 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.