The news: Wake County—which includes Raleigh— has passed a measure that allows a half cent increase in the local sales tax to help fund expanded bus service, create dedicated bus lanes, and eventually help finance a proposed 37-mile long commuter rail system.
Despite doubt about how much the Triangle’s college community will use the new public transportation system, three students and faculty interviewed said they still support the program’s funding and are excited about its implementation.
Our take: Great local organizations like Innovate Raleigh, as well as the government, business, and non-profit communities in the Research Triangle should explore the many easy and affordable measures at hand to convince the “I support but it’s not for me” crowd that it might actually be for them. Through better information and signage, encouragement and transit benefits offered by employers, and biking and walking infrastructure enhancements, the process of making it easier to take transportation options can begin in Raleigh and eventually spread enthusiastically to more places throughout North Carolina.
Read the complete article at The Independent Daily at Duke University