Transportation

Raleigh has grown from 270,000 people in 2000 to over 425,000 people today. That 50% growth rate is a reflection of Raleigh’s economic vitality and quality of life. Conservative projections have Raleigh growing by another 100,000 people by 2020. Over next several years, we have to address the fact that an effective and accessible transportation infrastructure is vital to our continued success. We need more transportation options – including walkable and bike-friendly communities, improved traffic calming designs, and more public transportation options.

Raleigh is a diverse set of communities, each with their own unique transportation challenges – from Wakefield to Wake Med, from Walnut Creek to Brier Creek, from Pullen Park to Renaissance Park, from Lake Wheeler to Westlake, from Durant Road to South Saunders Street.  Addressing each will require developing transportation options such as expanded bus service and moving forward with regional rail.

In 2015 the City broke ground on the new Union Station which will serve Raleigh as a transportation hub for decades to come.  Nancy has consistently advocated for more funds dedicated specifically for bus stop shelters and benches.

Under Mayor McFarlane’s leadership, the City has incorporated complete street models, recognizing that streets need to function for more than just cars.  Sidewalks, pedestrian, bikes, and alternate forms of transit all need to be considered when developing a transportation plan. We are working with the County to develop a transportation plan that will go before the voters in Fall 2016.  This plan will lay out our next steps to improve our transportation systems both within the city and throughout the surrounding areas.