Changes coming to Durham Station, thanks to federal grant. What bus riders can expect
The city of Durham will upgrade its downtown bus terminal and operations with $10.8 million from the Federal Transit Administration announced Tuesday.
“GoDurham provides 20,000 daily riders with an affordable and reliable transportation option,” said city Transportation Director Sean Egan. “Many of our riders are essential workers, seniors, students and low-wealth individuals with limited transportation options.”
About 80% of GoDurham riders are people of color, Egan noted during a news conference. Nearly three-quarters of riders report household incomes under $25,000, and two-thirds live in households without a car.
Riders want better shade and weather protection, restrooms and more seating added to platforms, and a security kiosk at the main bus bay.
In addition to the bus island, the improvements will move the kiss-and-ride location, repair broken pavement and increase the number of bus bays from 20 to 28, allowing for increased transit service.
The Durham Station, on West Pettigrew Street, serves 19 GoDurham routes and five GoTriangle routes, as well as Greyhound, Megabus and Flixbus.
With federal funding to cover 80% of the $13.5 million project, Durham County will provide $2.7 million for construction and design costs. The estimates were presented to residents this year during a Durham County Transit Plan update, but additional community engagement is needed to inform the final design.
Durham Station will continue to operate while construction is done in phases beginning in the summer of 2023 and lasting about one year.
“The City of Durham is most grateful to U.S. Rep. David Price for his letter of support for this project,” Mayor Elaine O’Neal said in a news release.
“With this federal funding, we can improve safety and customer comfort for the thousands of riders who use Durham Station every day while also expanding capacity to run more buses, including larger articulated buses used for Bus Rapid Transit,” she said.
This story was originally published March 16, 2022 at 7:30 AM.