GoTriangle is seeking community feedback on proposed bus service changes to the Wake Forest-Raleigh Express (WRX). Scheduled to take effect in November, the changes are designed to increase frequency, enhance access to prime destinations, and optimize microtransit options with the goal of boosting overall ridership and route usefulness. Changes to the WRX would serve riders traveling from Wake Forest via a route ending at Triangle Town Center, while maintaining connectivity to Downtown Raleigh.
Currently, the WRX operates during morning and evening peak hours only with stops in Downtown Wake Forest, at Triangle Town Center, and in Downtown Raleigh. GoTriangle’s proposed changes entail shortening the distance to connect Downtown Wake Forest and Triangle Town Center while providing all-day hourly service on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Although the proposed route would no longer serve stops in Downtown Raleigh, stops would be added along South Main Street/US 1 A in Wake Forest, including the Walmart shopping center. The route would also connect Wake Forest and Rolesville microtransit services with Triangle Town Center allowing riders to make timed transfers to access Downtown on GoRaleigh Route 1 and North Raleigh on GoRaleigh Route 25L.
According to GoTriangle, these changes will offer more trips and improved connectivity, accommodate changing travel patterns, and budget with existing resources:
- A shorter WRX that operates all day, rather than a peak-hour only service, is likely to attract more riders. It would become more attractive to riders by connecting them with microtransit services in Wake Forest, Wakefield, and Rolesville, as well as with GoRaleigh routes 1 and 25L.
- Changing travel patterns have resulted in low ridership on the existing morning and afternoon services. All-day service would increase the usefulness for trips to school, shopping, medical appointments, and jobs, with hours that fall outside of peak commute times.
- Shortening the route allows for all-day service within the available budget.
GoTriangle provides a webpage at https://gotriangle.org/service-changes that offers more details on the proposed service changes and encourages residents to provide feedback. GoTriangle also plans to host community engagement sessions over the next several weeks in locations throughout Wake Forest. Additional information will be provided in the coming days.