Capital Area MPO outlines Wake Transit 10‑year investment strategy; outreach enters phase 3

The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization presented a draft 10‑year Wake Transit investment strategy to the Wake Forest Mayor and Board of Commissioners and asked for local help promoting the phase‑3 engagement materials.

Steven Mott, senior Wake Transit planner, summarized results from earlier engagement and the priorities under consideration for the plan update. The draft 10‑year cash‑flow projection through fiscal 2035 shows projected revenues around $3.3 billion, with just over half of that amount already programmed for existing projects and operations, Mott said. That leaves roughly $1.5 billion for new investments, he added.

The presentation highlighted three public priorities identified through surveys and focus groups: connecting the region, serving more people and serving more places. The engagement found rail projects are popular among many respondents, while existing transit riders tended to prioritize more frequent bus service and longer hours, Mott said. In a question about Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) between Raleigh and Durham, roughly 70% of respondents indicated support, according to the slides.

Planned investment types in the draft strategy include: - A core BRT network with several corridors illustrated (Eastern/New Bern line, southern line toward Garner, northern lines with multiple endpoints), plus studies of additional corridors. - Increased frequent fixed‑route service with the goal of adding at least one new frequent route (15‑minute all‑day headway) each year. - Expanded funding for community transportation and sidewalks, bus stop amenities and ADA support for operating routes. - A proposed $40 million additional investment in the Community Funding Area program over 10 years, with possible further increases under consideration.

Mott asked commissioners to take the public survey, share materials and encourage residents to attend pop‑ups and presentations that will continue across Wake County during phase 3. He said the project team expects a draft plan for review in early June (a draft due to the technical team around June 2 and the next technical meeting on June 12), after which the plan will proceed through review and adoption steps.

“Regional connections are important regardless of the mode,” Mott said when summarizing the tradeoffs the public considered.

The presentation included outreach efforts targeted to Spanish‑language audiences through a primarily Spanish media partner, focus groups, rider app pushes and in‑person events, Mott said. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the schedules for the bus plan and how rail readiness measures (station investments, track improvements) are intended to improve the region’s competitiveness for federal and state grants.

Mott noted that some major questions remain—such as how rental‑car tax and fares will be handled in Wake Transit revenue streams—because those revenue sources are still under discussion among regional agencies.

The MPO encouraged the town to publicize the survey and engagement schedule and to provide staff time for the next steps in the action plan development.