GoRaleigh schedules Aug. 13 Title VI public hearing on future of R-line service

GoRaleigh staff told the authority on June 11 that the R-line will not return in its current form and that a Title VI analysis and public hearing will be required if the service is to be permanently sunsetted. Staff proposed holding the hearing on Aug. 13 at 4 p.m., immediately before the regular meeting’s public comment period.

“Once that decision is made as the revisioning process continues, then we'll officially make that announcement that it’s definitely going away,” a staff member said, explaining why an early Title VI process would be useful to document impacts and collect public input.

Board members discussed timing. One member noted scheduling the hearing in August keeps the topic fresh immediately after the service suspension; another said the public hearing’s purpose is to allow people time to consider impacts and weigh in. The chair moved the recommendation and the board approved scheduling the Title VI public hearing by voice vote; the motion passed unanimously.

Why it matters: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act requires jurisdictions to evaluate whether service changes disproportionately affect riders by protected class. Scheduling the hearing begins public outreach and preserves the authority’s documentation of how the service change affects riders, which can shape any final decision about permanently ending or replacing the R-line.

Next steps: Staff will complete the Title VI report and publish details on the public hearing, including notice and materials for community review. The board will hear public comment immediately after the scheduled hearing on Aug. 13.