GoTriangle CEO: Bus rapid transit could play a key role in the Triangle's future
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A GoTriangle bus in downtown Raleigh. Photo: Courtesy of GoTriangle
GoTriangle's new CEO Brian Smith says regional bus rapid transit could be a critical part of the region's future, but it will be important for the cities to prove the systems work well first.
Why it matters: GoTriangle is at an inflection point after its previous CEO left the regional transit agency following the collapse of its commuter rail plans due to funding concerns.
- Smith, who comes to the Triangle from Hampton Roads Transit in Virginia, will be tasked with helping design what the region's future connections between cities look like.
Driving the news: Smith, in his first public comments since taking the job this month, said during a press conference Wednesday that his first priority will be to improve the core bus services GoTriangle already offers between Durham, Orange and Wake counties.
- He said he wants to make service more consistent and frequent and make investments into its operations so that it will be ready to take on more ambitious plans in the future.
State of play: Already, it's been a busy summer for GoTriangle.
- The operator plans to open its new RUSBus facility in downtown Raleigh later this summer, more easily connected passenger rail service at Raleigh Union Station with a bus terminal.
- It selected a developer for a new mobility hub in the heart of Research Triangle Park.
- And will soon add 15-minute frequencies on its popular 400 route, which goes between downtown Durham and downtown Chapel Hill and their respective hospitals.
What's next: Every corner of the Triangle is currently considering bus rapid transit systems, which use dedicated bus lanes and frequent service to recreate rail systems at a cheaper price.
- Raleigh is trying to start construction on the first leg of its BRT system. Chapel Hill has landed some key federal grants for its BRT lanes. And Durham is beginning the planning stages for its potential system.
What they're saying: Smith said he wants to see those systems built out before GoTriangle potentially works to connect all the systems.
- "I think it's important to deliver results initially, and then we will look at opportunities to perhaps connect those services across the region," he told reporters.
- "It's a long game, but I think if we roll up our sleeves and stick with it, it's going to prove out in the future," he added.