DURHAM, NC (Feb. 26, 2024) Interested in learning what’s proposed for public transit in Wake County for the next fiscal year? The public is invited to comment on the Draft FY 2025 Wake Transit Work Plan from Feb. 26 to March 26 at https://goforwardnc.org/getinvolvedwake.
Each year, a new Wake Transit Work Plan is developed and features two main parts. First, there is a budget for the upcoming fiscal year to fund specific operating and capital projects that are continuing from previous years or that are new investments in the transit network. In FY25, approximately $45.6 million in expenditures is proposed in the operating budget, and $196.8 million is proposed for capital expenditures. A few highlights include three new transit routes beginning service, numerous existing routes expanding to serve more people, bus stop and station improvements, and the expansion of existing safety and security measures.
Second, the plan includes the Multi-Year Investment Program and the Capital Improvement Plan that provides a look ahead at how projected Wake Transit revenues are anticipated to be spent in future years. Current planning extends through FY30. The Draft FY 2025 Wake Transit Work Plan budget is displayed differently from previous years. Reviewers will see two separate summary budgets and detail sheets for both the operating and capital budget sections.
“One version contains the Wake County portion of the Regional Transit Authority Vehicle Rental Tax revenue, and the other does not,” says Wake Transit Program Manager Ben Howell. “Wake Transit partners are expected to determine which budget will move forward between the February release of the Draft Work Plan and the May release of the Recommended Work Plan. Whichever option does move forward, we will have a balanced Draft FY 2025 Wake Transit Work Plan budget.”
The goal of the Wake Transit Plan is to improve and expand Wake County’s transit network with “Four Big Moves” to guide all investment decisions:
- Connect the region.
- Connect all Wake County communities.
- Create frequent and reliable urban mobility.
- Enhance access to transit.
Community Review and Public Comment
After the comment period ends, Wake Transit planners will review comments and consider them for incorporation in the Recommended FY 2025 Wake Transit Work Plan scheduled for adoption in June 2024. Follow Wake Transit Program progress on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @WakeTransit. Sign up for email updates by visiting https://goforwardnc.org/, scrolling to the bottom of the page, clicking the Wake County Transit Plan box and entering your contact information.
For interviews and additional information, please contact Wake Transit Strategic Communications Coordinator R Curtis Hayes at rhayes@gotriangle.org or 919-482-5011.