Transportation and Business Leaders Announce New RTP Transit Task Force to Strengthen Regional Connectivity, Economic Development and Job Opportunities
GoTriangle, the Research Triangle Foundation (RTF), the North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) and the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority are forming a new transit task force to enhance connectivity to jobs, destinations throughout the region and to global opportunities. Through this new regional partnership, the organizations will work together to strengthen access to transportation in the planned Park Center development in Research Triangle Park by evaluating options for:
The short term relocation of the Regional Transit Center (RTC) from its current location on Slater Road in Durham to RTP’s Park Center development.
Improved connectivity between the RTC and the Raleigh-Durham International airport, including the study of alternatives for a direct transit link.
Improved circulator system in the Park, linking RTP companies to Park Center and the region.
Improved pedestrian and bike access throughout RTP, linking pedestrian and transit uses with the new RTC, including bike share.
“This continued collaboration highlights the critical role transit plays in our rapidly growing region, and the value our business leaders see in investing in improved transportation options and connections to make our region more competitive and to enhance the quality of life in our community,” said GoTriangle General Manager Jeff Mann.
“There is a need for a train station that connects not only Research Triangle employers with the surrounding five counties, but one that will serve as a hub for business travelers accessing the Mid-Atlantic states,” says NCRR President, Scott Saylor. “We are looking forward to working with our partners to determine how we can deliver infrastructure and a station that will meet the needs of a growing and changing workforce.”
The Research Triangle Foundation secured $50 million for the Park Center Development, a 100 acre site in the heart of RTP, that will include space for new office space, shops, restaurants, residential areas, as well as open park space. This is the first major redevelopment project in RTP’s history, and it includes a strong focus on improving interconnectivity throughout the Park. Through public and private investment, the new development will be a center for innovation and education.
“This is an investment in attracting and keeping the brightest minds, innovative research, and talented workforce here in the Triangle,” said Research Triangle Foundation President and CEO Bob Geolas. “We truly want this to be the heart of our community and strengthening transit connections is a vital part of making this new center accessible to everyone.”
“We look forward to the opportunity to engage and participate in planning to improve transit connections between our region and RDU. The Airport Authority is committed to providing infrastructure at the airport to support our community’s transit plans,” said Michael Landguth, President and CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority.
Draft plans, project study updates and other information will be available on RTP.org and GoTriangle.org. Once initial studies are completed, the task force will hold a series of public meetings to discuss draft plans with the community and collect feedback. The Triangle-J Council of Governments, which promotes collaboration among member governments, will assist with outreach efforts in cooperation with other partners. The Regional Transportation Alliance business coalition – founded by area chambers of commerce and including many RTP companies as well as the RTP Foundation as members – has endorsed this initiative and will support the effort to ensure its long-term success.
Proposed_RTP_Transit_Plan.png
This map shows the proposed RTP Transit Plan. The goal is to utilize existing and proposed transportation methods to increase access between Research Triangle Park and the region.
About GoTriangle
GoTriangle improves our region’s quality of life by connecting people and places with safe, reliable, and easy to use travel choices.
About the NC Railroad
The North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) is a private corporation that owns and manages the 317-mile rail corridor stretching from Charlotte to the Morehead City Port Terminal. The Company’s stock is owned by the State of North Carolina, and its mission is to develop the unique NCRR assets for the good of the people of North Carolina, its single shareholder. Its vision is to improve our state by enabling freight to grow business, expanding rail to move people and investing in North Carolina.
About Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority
RDU serves the Research Triangle Region and many areas of central and eastern North Carolina. With an annual economic impact of $8.5 billion, RDU serves 10 million passengers each year. The airport features 44 nonstop destinations, including daily nonstop service to London and Paris, two modern terminals, three runways, more than 40 shops and restaurants and 14,000 parking spaces in world-class facilities.
About The Research Triangle Foundation of NC
The Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina serves the Research Triangle Park, a bellwether institution that was once referred to by Governor Luther Hodges as the “heart and hope of North Carolina.” Situated centrally among Duke University, North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, RTP contains 7,000 acres, 47,000+ employees, and over 200 companies. RTP is also home to The Frontier, a new community convening destination at Park Center; and The Lab, a unique location for wet lab and office space.
For interviews, please contact:
Andrew Sawyer | Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority
andrew.sawyer@rdu.com | 919.981.2135
Julie Terry | Research Triangle Foundation of NC
terry@rtp.org | 919.564.5206
Megen Hoenk | NC Railroad Company
mhoenk@ncrr.com | 919.954.7601
Mike Charbonneau | GoTriangle
mcharbonneau@gotriangle.org | 919.485.7413
