Garner to Connect to Wake Bus Rapid Transit
The Southern Corridor of the Wake Bus Rapid Transit Plan will connect Garner to improved public transport as one of four new routes that will radiate out of downtown Raleigh.
Transit planners from Garner and Raleigh outlined six possible routes for the Southern Corridor, projected to be chosen by this summer, at the Town Council Meeting on Feb 18. The routes all extend to Garner Station Blvd. and Wal-mart on Fayetteville Rd.
Bus Rapid Transit differs from regular bus service, using a dedicated bus lane and allowing for more efficiency. Stations at intersections, rather than traditional bus stops, have raised platforms that align with the buses for better accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers and ticket vending machines allow for prepaying bus fares.
The Wake BRT will provide service every ten minutes during peak hours, and every 20 minutes on the weekend, with longer service from 4 a.m. to 12 a.m. on weekdays and 5:30 a.m. to 12 a.m. on weekends.
Transit planners will work with elected officials and go through a public comment process to identify a preferred route.
The public is invited to get information and give feedback at The Wake BRT: Southern Corridor Kickoff Meeting on March 3 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Garner Senior Center.
Considerations for evaluating routes are traffic volume, potential bike and pedestrian connections, needs for additional right of way for stations, potential ridership, construction costs, implementation timeline, economic development opportunities, and public feedback.
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