It is clear that the Triangle's rapid growth is straining our mobility infrastructure and that transit must be part of our future, along with freeways, intersection improvements and other strategies.

As the regional business leadership group that focuses on relieving traffic congestion and enhancing mobility, the Regional Transportation Alliance [www.letsgetmoving.org] acknowledges the Triangle Transit Authority's hard work over the years and shares its disappointment that the proposed rail system as it was envisioned will not meet federal guidelines. Of course, we understand the fiscal realities and we appreciate the leadership that our federal delegation has shown through its ongoing support during the process.

It is imperative that TTA and our region take a fresh, deliberate and reasoned look at what transit should look like in the future. This is an ideal opportunity to acknowledge the range of opinions surrounding transit in our region and to identify and prioritize our options in a spirit of collaboration.

The Alliance would welcome the opportunity to help lead the conversation on transit options that will help all of us get from here to there more quickly, more efficiently and more safely in the years ahead.

Ed Willingham

2006-07 Chair

Regional Transportation Alliance

Raleigh