DURHAM — The Durham County Board of Commissioners paved the way Monday night for a 1/2-cent sales tax for transit to begin April 1.

Durham voters approved a referendum last year calling for the tax increase for new and improved transit, including a light rail line between Durham and Chapel Hill, but commissioners decided to wait to levy the tax until a neighboring county was on board as well.

Orange County voters approved a similar referendum this month, so commissioners were ready to move ahead, voting 5-0 Monday in favor of asking the Triangle Transit Authority to levy the tax. The Orange County Board of Commissioners are expected to approve a similar measure Dec. 11, and the tax would then be in place April 1.

Commissioner Ellen Reckhow said the benefits of the transit improvements can already be seen with development the planned light rail line has attracted to the Ninth Street area.

Goad: 919-536-8549