The Town Council Work Session on September 30, 2025, spotlighted the highly anticipated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) South project, with updates from Het Patel, Assistant Director for Transit in Raleigh. The project aims to enhance public transportation connectivity between Downtown Raleigh and Garner, featuring dedicated bus lanes and improved service frequency.

Patel announced that construction on the New Bern Avenue corridor is set to begin soon, marking a significant milestone in the Wake Transit Plan, which was approved by voters in 2016. This plan, funded by a half-cent sales tax, aims to improve transit across Wake County. The New Bern Avenue project is the first to reach the construction phase, with three packages of work already awarded to contractors.

The Southern Corridor, which will connect Garner to Raleigh, is also progressing. It will include 5.1 miles of transit routes with 3.8 miles of dedicated bus lanes and nine new stations. The project is currently at the 30% design milestone, with plans for public outreach events scheduled for November to engage the community and gather feedback.

Patel emphasized the importance of this project in providing reliable urban mobility and enhancing access to transit services. With federal funding of nearly $86 million secured, the project is poised to transform public transportation in the region, promising faster and more efficient travel options for residents. The next steps include finalizing design details and securing necessary agreements with local and state transportation authorities.