Three regional transit agencies proposed changes Monday to reduce duplication in bus routes, give more options to riders between Durham and Chapel Hill and launch direct bus service between the airport and downtown Raleigh.
The proposed changes, to take effect in August, include:
A new Triangle Transit route from downtown Raleigh to Raleigh-Durham International Airport, continuing on to the regional transfer center in Research Triangle Park. It would provide Raleigh's only direct bus link to RDU.
A new transfer station at New Hope Commons shopping center for riders who switch between Chapel Hill Transit and Durham Area Transportation Authority buses. Chapel Hill Transit would extend its D Route to include New Hope Commons.
A Triangle Transit bus route to connect UNC Hospitals and Durham Station,DATA's downtown transit center, via downtown Chapel Hill and Duke University, eventually with new park-and-ride lots along the way. Some stops on this route would be eliminated to reduce the trip time.
A change in DATA's Route 10 to provide more frequent service to Garrett Road, Patterson Place shopping center, University Drive and New Hope Commons. This route would cut direct service to Woodcroft.
Details of these and other changes are online at www.gotriangle.org/aug2010.
The proposals will be aired at three public meetings next week.
