Vision for Transit in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill Would Create Jobs, Boost Economy

1/31/2012
Contact: Angela Gates
(202) 366-3669

RALEIGH, N.C. – Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff today joined North Carolina officials for a tour of proposed transit lines designed to connect Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill.  Plans to expand and improve transit options to support innovation in the Research Triangle, one of the nation’s most important industrial resources, reflect the Obama Administration’s “Blueprint for an America Built to Last.”

 “President Obama called on us to rebuild America by putting people back to work constructing transit systems, roads, bridges and airports that are built to last,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “There is work to be done on projects like this all across the country.  Transportation projects like these will help boost American jobs and American manufacturing.”

Administrator Rogoff’s visit follows President Obama’s State of the Union address, in which he called for using money saved from winding down the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to pay down the debt and on a transportation bill that would clear the way for nation-building here in the United States.

“Thanks to the President’s bold actions, our nation’s economy is growing again and federal investments in transportation around the country are putting Americans to work, spurring economic development and giving people greater opportunity,” said Administrator Rogoff. “Expanding transit options in the Research Triangle area would bring the same economic benefits to this region, give people an alternative to sitting in traffic and allow them to keep more of their hard-earned paychecks in their pockets.”

North Carolina officials, residents and transit advocates have been exploring public transportation improvements that would connect the rapidly growing cities of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, and make it easier for people to travel throughout the region, which is home to numerous universities and high-tech companies.

Local planning organizations have identified three priority transit corridors in the Research Triangle area for major transit investments over the next 30 years and recommended alternatives for further study, including light rail and commuter rail. An expanded bus network also is under review.

Administrator Rogoff toured the proposed transit corridors with Congressman David Price, Congressman Brad Miller, Raleigh Mayor Nancy McFarlane, Durham Mayor Bill Bell, Chapel Hill Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt, Triangle Transit General Manager David King and other local officials.

The tour began at the Durham Amtrak Station and included visits to downtown Durham; the Durham Transportation Center, where real-time bus arrival information helps riders know when to expect the next bus; downtown Raleigh; and the Dillon Viaduct Building, where a Union Station transit hub is planned. The tour concluded at North Carolina State University, where two light rail stations are proposed.