Wake County mayors worried about federal money for bus projects, local post offices
Wake County leaders are asking federal representatives to help keep commitments to bus riders counting on faster trips through Raleigh and Wake County.
There are millions of dollars in federal funding allocated or promised to build North Carolina’s first bus rapid transit system.
The mayors of Wake County’s 12 towns and cities are now asking the state’s congressional leaders to help make sure the money comes through despite federal budget cuts.
Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell shared a draft letter this week with the rest of the Raleigh City Council asking for input.
“We’ve had a lot of questions about federal dollars and a lot of uncertainty,” Cowell said. “Questions from the table and questions from constituents.
What is bus rapid transit?
In a bus rapid transit system, riders buy a ticket and board a bus from an elevated platform.
The buses are able to travel more quickly due to dedicated bus lanes or priority signals at intersections.
Raleigh has four planned bus rapid transit routes: east, south, west and north.
Construction on the first corridor, the 5.4 mile New Bern Avenue route, was meant to start in 2024, but the city has struggled to find a contractor to build it.
What the letter says
“We are writing to express our sincere gratitude for the federal funding allocated to Wake Bus Rapid Transit projects and to request your continued support for these critical initiatives, particularly the BRT Southern Corridor,” according to the letter.
“Federal investment in transit infrastructure has been instrumental in advancing mobility, combating congestion and promoting sustainable economic development in our region,” it states.
The southern route would travel between downtown Raleigh and Garner via Wilmington Street. It received a favorable rating, and the federal government pledged millions for it in 2023.
The letter thanks federal leaders for the $47 million already delivered for the New Bern Avenue Corridor and $8.1 million already delivered for the southern and western corridor projects.
But another $77.8 million is allocated but not yet in hand for the southern corridor.
The letter also notes concerns for local post offices in Knightdale and Holly Springs.
“These facilities face challenges related to accessibility, services and general upkeep,” according to the letter. “Some locations are not ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)-compliant, making it difficult for individuals with disabilities to access essential postal services.”
