Transportation

Soaring gas prices have more commuters leaving their cars and switching to company-subsidized transportation. It saves money and the environment, and they can work while they commute

The June 26 forum Transit: Is Wake County Ready for it? attracted almost 300 attendees and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Transit is an issue clearly gaining public support. Keynote speakers, Carol Coletta, CEOs for Cities, and Keith Parker, CEO of Charlotte's transit system, were dynamic and informative. Triangle J's John Hodges-Kopple explained the new proposal for regional transit recommended by the Special Transit Advisory Commission. Many more people viewed the forum live on WRAL's news channel and wral.com and will see it soon on the Raleigh Television Network. Elected officials from across Wake County attended the event, as did representatives of community organizations, business leaders and local government staff. Forum panelists were engaging and explained what opportunities transit can provide for economic development and a better quality of life. The extensive coverage in the television, print and radio media has further communicated the messages of the forum to a broader Triangle community. WakeUP plans to work with community leaders and organizations to build public education and support for transit in Wake County and the Triangle.