Public forum tackles Triangle transit

Raleigh, N.C. — A public forum opened Thursday night to examine Wake County and the Triangle’s need for the development in of mass transportation.

At North Carolina State University’s McKimmon Center, the forum focused on transit’s role in planning for quality growth in other cities, including Charlotte. The recent proposal for regional transit in the Triangle was on the table, according to organizers.

In March, the 38-member Special Transit Advisory Commission said a combination of buses, rail systems and "circulators" is needed to help meet the Triangle's growing transportation needs and to help the region compete for new industry and better jobs.

It would likely be in place by 2035, when an estimated additional 1 million people are expected to have moved to the area. That would bring the population to about 2.5 million people.

Among its key recommendations is an enhanced bus network throughout the Triangle that includes express service to and from Raleigh-Durham International Airport and rush-hour-only bus service to outlying communities.

The group also recommended rail service from Chapel Hill to north Raleigh utilizing diesel rail cars and Light Rail Transit that would provide transportation alternatives in some of the most congested corridors of the Triangle.

The forum was presented by the citizen group WakeUP Wake County.

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As if no one could have forseen society would outstrip it's ability to sustain personal conveyances continually increasing in size and power. Sheesh! It's sickening and disgusting to watch the area's traffic corridors thicken twice daily with traffic, belching plumes of gray air. Oh, for a public transportation system that works! Is it possible, is there a way, can it be done, does such a thing exist, how much does it cost, can we afford it, do we have the technology, why hasn't this already been done, what have our elected been doing while they were supposed to be about the public business, at the local, state and federal levels? Of course, the answers are self evident. It's not too late, however, there are those who will resist what's best for all, in order to satisfy their self-indulgent lifestyle. Thank God for high gas prices, may they continue to rise! Long live the revolution!

inform
June 27, 2008 2:32 p.m.

An interesting note in reference to subways: All of the mass transportation naysayers say that we don't have enough density here. They said the same thing in Washington, D.C. when the subway and additional mass transit was proposed there. Go take a look now -- the density has grown up around the subway and train stations (ok, as well as every other corner, too). Had D.C. not started when they did, the whole place would be shut down now. It's currently difficult at best, but better than it would have been. The subway currently serves over 8 million people per week. Raleigh needs some forward thinking people. Subway? Maybe not, but at least get to work on potential solutions now.

Six String
June 26, 2008 8:24 p.m.

We will always fall behind Charlotte not because of the population of Charlotte but Charlotte has visions. The best thing about Raleigh this year so far is the Wailers downtown free concert. Other than that. I just go home and then to work and the grocery store and back home and then to work.

iamforjustice
June 26, 2008 5:09 p.m.

When Raleigh comes to the 21st Century then you will see a lot of improvments such as a rail system...but heck by then it will be in the 22nd Century. Seems we will always fall behind Charlotte.

iamforjustice
June 26, 2008 5:08 p.m.

Senators Dole and Burr, along with Pat McCrory, kept the Triangle from getting federal funding for rail to make sure Charlotte got theirs. They also have shown interest in drilling off our coast and pray for oil. Any ecological damage won't affect them, as they all live west of 85. Reducing demand via transit is lost on them. We should return the favor and keep them from getting elected. ncwebguy I couldn't have said it better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

iamforjustice
June 26, 2008 5:03 p.m.

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Public forum tackles Triangle transit

23 Comments

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