Triangle Transit expands weekend service, ups prices

Beginning Aug. 18, four routes – Routes 100, 400, 700 and 800 – will extend Saturday evening services and add Sunday service. 

David King, general manager of Triangle Transit, said the addition of Sunday service is brand new. 

"This is a big deal, and frankly, it's overdue," he said. 

A new Orange-Durham Express service will also provide commuters with rush-hour rides between Hillsborough and Durham. 

The half-cent sales tax for transit that's been in place in Durham and Orange counties paid for the expanded service. 

In Wake County, commissioners have asked County Manager Jim Hartmann to begin creating a new transit plan. A draft plan could be ready next spring. 

King says Wake County's growth demands action. 

"It's got to be an artful, hopefully wise, marriage of transit and roads to absorb that growth," King said. 

Brittany Evans, who uses Triangle Transit services about five days a week, says she's looking forward to the latest expansion. 

"It's really important, because I get more hours in my job, and I'll be able to work those days I couldn't before," she said. 

Routes with expanded service or an altered schedule:

Triangle Transit is also raising fares in August. The cost of a regional cash fare will be $2.25, and a day pass will go from $4 to $4.50.