February 2024, Previous Issues

New rapid bus system planned for New Bern Avenue

Saint Augustine’s University students will benefit from the area’s first Bus Rapid Transit Line.

The Research Triangle Regional Public Transportation Authority, which has served as reliable public transportation throughout Wake, Durham and Orange counties since 1989, announced recently that the new bus line will run down New Bern Avenue, about ½ mile from campus.

The new Bus Rapid Transit system is focused on minimizing traffic jams and overcrowding for commuters. The system will have its own roadway and traffic signals, elevated platforms and priority green lights.  The first BRT line will run approximately 5 miles down New Bern Avenue between downtown and WakeMed and New Hope Road. There will be four planned routes. This project is estimated to take approximately 12 years to completely finish building out.

Plans for Raleigh’s BRT include routes to downtown Garner, downtown Cary, North Hills and Triangle Town Center. The New Bern Avenue segment could possibly be up and running as early as 2025 according to Raleigh city officials.

— Evan Ishmael