GoTriangle and partners break ground on a multimodal hub designed to help people traveling by bike, bus and rail make seamless connections
 

With shovels in hand, GoTriangle officials this morning joined with local, state and federal partners to kick off construction on a new transit hub, Raleigh Union Station Transit Facility, on South West Street in downtown Raleigh’s Warehouse District.

Known as RUS Bus, the hub slated to open in mid-2025, will make it easy for travelers to connect between intercity rail and local, regional and express bus services. Located adjacent to the existing Raleigh Union Station rail facility that Amtrak now serves, the new bus facility will be built to accommodate future projects including bus rapid transit services and regional passenger rail service. GoTriangle – the Triangle’s regional transit authority – will own and manage RUS Bus, which will welcome travelers arriving on foot or bike with bike- and pedestrian-friendly spaces.

The street-level bus facility will be paired with a 23-story private development known as Union West that will include multifamily residential apartments, including affordable housing, as well as retail and activated community space in one central and vibrant destination.

GoTriangle’s Board of Trustees Chair Brenda Howerton said she is proud that GoTriangle staff and partners prioritized developing a “people-centered project” that helps commuters – especially vulnerable communities – easily get where they need to go.

“It’s been said before that ‘transportation is to a region, what the nervous system is to the human body,’” she said. “It makes every element of a city or region function effectively by helping people to commute. Multimodal transportation hubs are critical in providing inter- and intra-city mobility while moving towards seamless travel.”

RUS BUS became a reality after GoTriangle was awarded a $20 million federal BUILD grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to deliver the facility. The public transit facility sits on land GoTriangle owns, and the project is being funded by local, state and federal funding. It is estimated to cost approximately $40.7 million. GoTriangle’s private development partner Hoffman & Associates will finance Union West, which is anticipated to open in 2026-2027. Union West’s cost is to be determined based on the final scope of the development.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, GoTriangle President and CEO Chuck Lattuca noted that the agency and its partners are excited to officially begin such a transformational project.

“Once completed, this mixed-use development will become a major point in downtown Raleigh that not only includes a new and modern bus facility, but also will provide retail spaces and, most importantly, bring more affordable housing to the area,” he said. “Today’s event is another great example of collaboration with federal, state, local and private partners to improve transit connectivity.”

Hoffman & Associates President Shawn Seaman said, “We are proud to work alongside our partners today as we break ground on a transformative multimodal transportation hub that will have a lasting impact on Raleigh and the region as a whole. The enhanced public transportation options provided by GoTriangle, coupled with the planned dynamic mix of residential, retail and restaurant experiences at Union West, mark a monumental step in creating a more interconnected, vibrant community.”