News

Here is a brief weekly update from the RTA business coalition — the voice of the regional business community on transportation.

Equity and transit – part one
The City of Raleigh is the lead agency in the development of four of the region’s five proposed bus rapid transit (BRT) lines. While enhanced transit is first-and-foremost an improvement to mobility and accessibility, it also may have the ability to influence landforms near the corridor. To increase the likelihood of a more equitable development pattern around future bus rapid transit stations, the City has embarked on an equitable development initiative. You can download a new guidebook about equitable development, watch a summary video, and learn more about the initiative — or take a survey to inform the conversation.

Equity and transit – part two
Economic development and government revenues have both fallen substantially as a result of our regional and national response to the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, transportation planners are grappling with substantially lower funding levels and the need to reprioritize investments. You can take a survey, open through Monday, with suggestions on potential adjustments to the Wake Transit plan, and also any additional projects or initiatives should additional resources become available. RTA continues to support the Wake Transit plan, including proposed investments in regional commuter rail, bus rapid transit, and enhanced bus service overall. Our comments will also speak to the need to emphasize equity, recovery, and opportunity, including consideration of flexible solutions to accelerate mobility relief options for businesses and families. 

A new funding conversation begins
The North Carolina Chamber released an excellent new study and initiative on transportation revenue options this week. The report also included a reference to RTA’s focus on an access fee-based approach; e.g. an expansion or extension of vehicle registration, electric vehicle, or drivers license fees. We will continue to advocate for consideration of this approach — which is resilient to changes in travel, vehicle fleet mix, and fuel efficiency — as a potential part of a future funding solution package. The NC Chamber’s Destination 2030 initiative, and the ongoing  NCDOT FIRST Commission study, are exactly the sort of conversations our growing state needs to stabilize and modernize funding for transportation and mobility. We are pleased to support this vital effort — learn more in this week’s Thursday Thoughts at 3 blog. 

Register for RTA 19th annual meeting 
As we noted in last week’s briefing, our annual meeting will be held virtually on November 12, 2020. Registration is now open, and it is included with your membership. Contact Natalie with questions about registration and/or sponsorship. 

Thank you to all RTA members for your support of our growing regional business organization! Have a great weekend.

Let’s get moving,

Joe

Joe Milazzo II, PE
RTA Executive Director