A partnership between GoTriangle and public relations students from North Carolina State University during the Spring 2026 semester proved that not only is there an appetite from young people for public transportation in the Triangle, but also an appreciation for how transit can be reliable, affordable, and a connector for the community.

The 24 students, as part of Dr. Kalyca Becktel’s Public Relations Campaign class were tasked with coming up with creative ways to promote Routes 100 (Raleigh) and 700 & 705 (Durham) for GoTriangle, the region’s public transit agency. The two teams – dubbed “PackLab Public Relations” – used traditional strategies to create the campaigns – and within a very limited window of time. The Route 100 team created the “Don’t Go Spring Broke” campaign, aimed at encouraging students from NC State and Meredith College to use the route for getting to and from Raleigh-Durham International Airport. The Route 700/705 team created the #FindYourSpot Campaign, which encouraged Durham riders to use transit to frequent beloved local businesses. The campaign also included an exclusive Durham Bulls game night for select students from North Carolina Central University.

The results were impressive.

Thanks to the team’s hard work, GoTriangle’s Route 100 enjoyed the following improvements:

  • more than 25,000 social media views and more than 200 students reached directly
  • an 8% increase in Route 100 boardings
  • a 22% increase in GoPass signups
  • 71 Umo app downloads through classroom outreach
  • 17,000+ views of a CBS 17 news piece highlighting the campaign
  • and a 40% increase in knowledge about the route among NC State and Meredith College students

The Route 700 & 705 team’s work resulted in:

  • more than 30,000 views and 600 likes of a campaign Instagram reel
  • a 150% increase in awareness of the two routes
  • a 20% increase in positive attitudes toward Durham bus use with new riders
  • and a whopping 100% increase in route rider confidence

“The process was nothing short of incredible and impressive,” said Matt Lail, GoTriangle’s Public Relations Manager. “From the very beginning, as they tackled new ways to promote our Routes 100 and 700 & 705, each and every one of these students brought an attention to detail, a desire to learn, and a propensity for creativity. They asked all the right questions. They were courageous in their ideas. And they delivered.”

“GoTriangle’s investment in our students showed them that their voices, ideas and work have real impact far beyond the classroom, and that they are valued as emerging professionals today, not just someday in the future,” said Becktel, an Assistant Professor of Public Relations in NC State’s Department of Communication.

The partnership with the NC State PR students coincided with GoTriangle’s March 2026 service changes. The agency routinely makes changes to service hours, frequency, and the alignments of routes. These changes expand service to better connect people and the region with high-quality transit throughout the Research Triangle region.