The Downtown Raleigh free bus, the R-Line, is changing. Here’s what to know about the proposed changes and how to share your opinion:
🚍 The proposed route changes from a loop to a “bidirectional service,” said David Eatman, the assistant transportation director for the City of Raleigh. That’s based off feedback that the loop route took too long for riders if they hopped on at a certain stop.
🚍 Stops on the potential route have not yet been determined, but the proposed route would take 13-15 minutes.
🚍 A brief history: The R-Line started in 2009, when Raleigh’s downtown looked a lot different than it does today. Ridership peaked around 2012 but has declined since, David said.
🚍 Current ridership patterns: The needs based on current ridership are still “from the convention center to Peace Street to Glenwood South” via West Street.
🚍 How it fits in with the future of transit: The hybrid buses will likely be replaced with smaller vehicles, possibly compressed natural gas vehicles and electric vehicles further down the road.
🚍 There’s a public meeting Wednesday to give your feedback. Go to the Raleigh Municipal Building, 222 W. Hargett Street, Conference Room 303. Afternoon session: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; evening session: 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Can’t make either? Share your input online.
MORE: Downtown Raleigh is growing. How fast?
