The North Carolina DOT (NCDOT) and its partners have released preliminary findings of a cooperative study to accelerate a region-wide network of high-quality transit routes to better connect the Triangle area.
The study was a collaborative effort between NCDOT, the Regional Transportation Alliance business coalition, and GoTriangle.
The proposed Freeway And Street-based Transit (FAST) network concept is a scalable approach to transform the state's roadways into multimodal corridors that could provide significant and sustainable advantages for public transit, along with enhanced access and mobility for all modes of travel. Consulting firm VHB is leading the FAST study with team members Stantec and Catalyst Design.
Initial study findings include an illustrative 2025 FAST network for the Triangle that would complement upcoming investments in bus rapid transit and commuter rail, directly serve RDU Airport and Research Triangle Park, and capitalize on ongoing and future highway projects.
“GoTriangle is constantly looking for more efficient and innovative ways to serve the growing Triangle area," GoTriangle Board of Trustees Chair Michael Parker said in a statement. "The FAST approach and potential projects will inspire, inform, and advance new ideas that can lead our agency and our regional transit partners into a new era of enhanced transit for our community."
“The Department believes the FAST approach could serve as a template for many areas across the state to advance regional transit—we greatly appreciate RTA for initiating the study effort," Julie White, Deputy Secretary for Multimodal Transportation for NCDOT, said in a statement.
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SOURCE: North Carolina DOT
