News

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

Regional FAST study moves forward
RTA, GoTriangle, and NCDOT have been leading a study to envision a regionwide Freeway And Street-based Transit (FAST) network concept for the Triangle that would connect the region’s five approved bus rapid transit corridors and link to future commuter rail. The final study report is under review now; meanwhile, we are encouraging the integration of a FAST approach into a number of policies, and requesting the development of a funding pool to advance low-cost transit advantage investments. Kudos to RTA Leadership Team member VHB and RTA members Stantec and Catalyst Design for their excellent work on the FAST study. More to come in the weeks ahead.

Advancing equity via a zero fare weekends pilot 
Wake County has been seeking feedback on the prioritization of Wake Transit investments in light of the current economic conditions. RTA has requested a zero fare weekends pilot support fund to help initiate a potential pilot in 2021. We believe a possible zero fare weekends pilot would provide needed relief for transit users, remove barriers to considering or using transit, and advance recovery overall—minimizing financial risk for our transit partners while furthering our region’s commitment to equity.

Upcoming projects and ongoing partnership
The RTA business coalition had the opportunity to partner with the Research Triangle Foundation at their Fall Owners & Tenants meeting this week. The event was fast moving and informative, and highlighted both upcoming projects and the ongoing partnership between RTA, RTP, and our regional transportation partners. The full presentation is available here, including updates on BRT, FAST, commuter rail, freeways, and more. We are grateful for the collaboration, and look forward to future dialogue to move these and other projects forward to advance the Park and the region.

Thank you for your investment in the RTA to advance our region’s mobility future!

Let’s get moving,

Joe

Joe Milazzo II, PE
RTA Executive Director