Supporting the New Bern Avenue BRT and the Pending Transit Overlay District

RaleighForward recently joined forces with WakeUp Wake County in support of the New Bern Avenue BRT and the pending Transit Overlay District.  Raleigh voters approved the Wake Transit Plan in 2016.  A critical component of that plan is funding for 4 bus rapid transit (“BRT”) lines. This month, Raleigh broke ground on the New Bern Avenue BRT line.  To ensure there is adequate density to support this infrastructure investment, the City is in the process of applying a Transit Overlay District along this BRT corridor.  In addition to fostering higher density, the TOD contains incentives to encourage more affordable housing construction.  It is also implementing programs intended to ensure equitable development around transit as BRT is built-out across the City.

To learn more about BRT and the Transit Overlay District rezoning, take a look at recent blog posts from Phil Veasley and  WakeUp Wake County. 

Phil, a member of RaleighForward’s Board of Advisors, published an excellent post about BRT and why passage of the Transit Overlay district is critical to the success of BRT. WakeUp has put together some helpful explainers about BRT and the Transit Overlay District as well.  

To continue attracting new residents, maintaining a healthy economy and increasing housing diversity and affordability, Raleigh must build and support an efficient transit system.  Raleigh has been conducting a lengthy engagement process related to planning and implementing BRT.  It’s now time for Council to make the decisions critical to building an effective transit system. 

If you agree, please consider emailing City Council to let them know you support BRT and the Transit Overlay District rezoning.  Alternatively, consider speaking in favor of BRT and the TOD Rezoning during the public hearing scheduled for January 30, 2024.  There is no “best” way to express support.  But, if we want Raleigh to build an effective transit system,  now’s the time to ask Council to approve the New Bern Transit Overlay District.

Additionally,  planning for the 3 other BRT routes is underway and the City is seeking resident input on those routes in the coming weeks. For more information on these meetings, click here.  For details about the other planned BRT routes, click here.