Officials Should Take The Long Path Forward for Rail Media Inquiries:
Nathan Spencer
nathan@wakeupwakecounty.org
919-589-3501 WakeUP helped to bring about and pass the Wake Transit Plan in 2016 and will continue to advocate for regional rail projects long-term. RALEIGH, N.C. (July 29, 2023) – While the Greater Triangle Commuter Rail project will not be receiving federal funding, WakeUP Wake County will continue to advocate for regional rail projects long-term and help to secure needed funding with methods that are fair and equitable to all taxpayers. Like many other large-scale public investments right now, regional rail needs additional time to ensure it delivers the maximum benefits to Wake County residents and the environment. We strongly encourage decision makers and elected officials to focus on ways to move regional rail projects forward while accelerating supportive housing and transportation policies that will significantly increase the chances of long-term success for rail projects. While we agree that Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is an integral part to continuing to connect communities and businesses with each other within Wake County, so called Regional Rail, or frequent, reliable, and affordable all-day service, would provide greater connections to surrounding cities. This would significantly reduce car dependence and provide greater access to housing, jobs, and services. “We believe that land use improvements, like those from regional rail, will help Wake County and surrounding communities continue to compete for future federal monies,” says Executive Director Nathan Spencer. “Officials should gather input from the public on what changes they see we need, since voters approved a plan in 2016 that included rail.” WakeUP Wake County has long supported the Triangle regional rail project that would connect individuals with key parts of Wake and Durham Counties. We helped bring about and pass the Wake County Transit Plan in 2016 which outlined the regional rail project and will maximize connectivity between local communities and centers of commerce, education, employment, and recreation. So while the project doesn’t have a current path forward without federal funding right now, WakeUP Wake County wants to ensure that regional rail projects continue to move forward. “Because we believe rail will provide significant benefits to the environment and potential economic mobility for folks,” adds Spencer, “we will continue to advocate for regional rail projects long-term.” WakeUP will advance our work with GoTriangle and regional officials to develop a long-term solution that will ensure regional rail does not get left behind but continues to move forward in a fair and equitable way for all Triangle residents. Media Contact: Nathan Spencer, nathan@wakeupwakecounty.org About WakeUP Wake County WakeUP Wake County is a 501(c)3 non-profit, non-partisan advocacy organization that leads public engagement on housing, transportation, climate change, and other land use issues in the Triangle region. WakeUP’s mission is to ensure healthy and sustainable communities for all residents in the region by educating both citizens and policy-makers about how the region should plan for growth. | 
