Three of the Research Triangle region’s transit agencies recently were awarded federal funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) through the competitive Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program. These funds will go toward updating and modernizing facilities, replacing transit vehicles, and purchasing safety training equipment.
GoTriangle, the Research Triangle’s regional transit agency, was awarded $17,718,750 from the FTA to modernize and expand its Bus Operations and Maintenance Facility (BOMF) in Morrisville. The project represents an investment of over $67 million, with GoTriangle providing local funding through approved transit plans, from revenue sources dedicated to regional transit.
After nearly three decades of service, the BOMF requires a comprehensive overhaul to support GoTriangle’s continued growth. In response to regional expansion, GoTriangle anticipates a 50 percent increase in revenue service vehicles. The project includes construction of a new 25,000-square-foot multi-story addition, expanded parking for revenue service vehicles, a new service lane and bus wash, reconfiguration of interior spaces to enhance maintenance efficiency, and a redesigned site layout to improve vehicle flow and capacity. Modernized building systems, advanced technologies, and improved operator and staff amenities will extend the facility’s useful life for 30 years or more.
“The BOMF has served us very well for many years, and it’s now time we make upgrades that reflect not just the growth of our services, but also a commitment to improving the work environment for our bus operators, mechanics, and other vital transit employees,” said GoTriangle President and CEO Brian Smith. “We are grateful for the federal support of this project – and especially to our transit partners and our congressional delegation, including Congresswoman Deborah Ross, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee, and Congressman Brad Knott, who truly understand the value of these important transit investments for our growing region.”
Chapel Hill Transit was awarded $8.8 million to purchase replacement buses and to purchase safety training equipment. The FTA funds will be used to purchase up to 13 replacement buses, which are critical to help maintain reliable and safe transit services for the communities we serve. Additionally, Chapel Hill Transit looks forward to the purchase of their first training simulator for bus operators. The incorporation of driving simulation technology supports a commitment to high-level training and safety in a controlled environment, while also aiding in the recruitment of new operators to the field.
Brian Litchfield, Director of Chapel Hill Transit, said, “We’re incredibly grateful for the support towards our bus fleet and training program, this grant is a meaningful investment to keep Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and the University of North Carolina connected and moving forward. Being awarded this grant is the result of a hard-working and strategic team, and we thank Congresswoman Valerie Foushee for her continued support of Chapel Hill Transit and public transportation investments throughout the Triangle.”
The City of Durham was awarded $6.1 million to purchase much-needed new buses.
“Our region is growing and we need to modernize our fleet and expand our transit facilities to support that growth” said Mayor Leonardo Williams, who represents the City of Durham on the GoTriangle Board of Trustees. “These grants enable GoDurham to provide safe, reliable and affordable transit to more than 20,000 riders each day, while advancing GoTriangle’s plans to add frequency and new routes that support sustainable growth across the Research Triangle region.”
The three awards are part of nearly $390 million the FTA announced for 34 transit projects in 19 states and Puerto Rico to revitalize aging bus infrastructure nationwide.
"This is about making the investment today to ensure we are providing safer, more reliable and more efficient service for families today and for generations to come," FTA Administrator Marc Molinaro said in a release.