Why Commuter Rail?

A QUICK AND RELIABLE COMMUTE | INCREASED ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITY | AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DRIVER

Wake, Durham, Orange and Johnston counties collectively add more than 32,000 residents a year, resulting in crowded roads and ever-lengthening commute times. A Triangle commuter rail line between West Durham and Raleigh extending to Garner or Clayton presents an opportunity to manage growth and create a truly regional transit network, which will help us build upon our standing as one of the best places to live in the United States.

To create that transit network, voters in Wake, Durham and Orange counties approved a dedicated sales tax, and Wake and Durham counties have included a 37-mile commuter rail line with stops in downtown Durham, Research Triangle Park, Morrisville, Cary, NC State, downtown Raleigh and Garner in their transit plans. Additionally, Johnston County has committed money to evaluate extending the route to Clayton.

AS PLANNING FOR THE TRIANGLE COMMUTER RAIL LINE CONTINUES, LEADERS WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOU HOPE TO SEE.

Get up to date on planning for the rail line so far HERE.

A Quick and Reliable Commute

Plan a car trip between Garner and Durham, and you can expect to spend between 35 and 60 minutes or more on the road, depending on traffic.

No matter how crowded the Triangle’s roads get, commuters will be able to rely on a Triangle rail line to get them to work, school, health care or play in the same amount of time every day. Instead of gripping a steering wheel, commuters can read, work, sleep, check social media and relax.

Increased Access and Opportunity

Investing in a Triangle commuter rail line traveling about 40 miles or more through major employment areas and connecting to major universities — Duke University and Medical Center, downtown Durham, North Carolina Central University, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina State University and downtown Raleigh, among others — would significantly increase the geographic range of jobs and educational opportunities for everyone.

Commuter rail lines also are more environmentally friendly and offer local governments the opportunity to create affordable housing near station areas for residents who also benefit by spending less money on owning vehicles.

An Economic Development Driver

More than 1.3 million people, or 13 percent of North Carolina’s population, already live in Wake, Durham and Johnston counties.

A fixed transit line through the Triangle would give leaders one tool to manage growth by connecting the Triangle’s vibrant downtowns and universities and by offering the opportunity to create new dense, pedestrian-oriented communities that include offices, homes, retail space, parks, grocery stores and restaurants near new rail stations.

Such development can grow the tax base that supports all of our critical public services. In addition, for every $1 billion invested in public transportation, an additional $5 billion in GDP and nearly 50,000 jobs are created over 20 years, according to the American Public Transportation Association.

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