The N.C. Department of Transportation and its partners are continuing efforts to improve roads for public transportation with the Freeway, Arterial, Street and Tactical Transit Vision Study.
Known as FAST 2.0, the study will make recommendations to create a more timely and efficient public transportation system in the Triangle region.
The study will include a review of proposed Bus Rapid Transit corridors (dedicated lanes that do not interrupt the flow of traffic and provide more efficient service for riders), and other roads in the Triangle region. There may also be an examination of potential connections in additional counties in the metropolitan area.
The FAST 2.0 vision study area includes the following counties:
- Chatham
- Durham
- Johnston
- Orange
- Wake
Public engagement for FAST 2.0 will occur in early 2025 and the study is expected to be released in June 2025. FAST 2.0 will build upon the findings outlined in the FAST 1.0 study, which was released in September 2022.
Freeway & Street-based Transit Vision (FAST 1.0)
The Freeway & Street-based Transit Vision Study, now called FAST 1.0, focused primarily on public transit improvements in the Research Triangle Park in Wake County. The study explored Bus Rapid Transit, Bus On Shoulder System and other road improvements.
When FAST 2.0 is complete, recommendations from both studies will be used statewide and tailored to meet the needs of rural and urban transit agencies.
Read the Study
Study Recommendations
Bus Rapid Transit
Creating a Bus Rapid Transit system that gives priority to buses on roads at intersections and dedicated bus lanes. This system will enable buses to get commuters to their destinations quicker by bypassing rush-hour traffic.
Bus On Shoulder System
Beefing up features already being used such as the Bus on Shoulder System in which certain buses are allowed to travel on the shoulders of designated interstates and highways to keep them on schedule.
Transit Signal Priority, etc.
Adding transit signal priority and queue jumps at intersections so buses would be able to bypass stopped traffic and access specially designated lanes so they can stay on time.
Increasing bus stops & stations
Increasing the number of bus stops and stations with near level boarding so people can board buses faster.
What Action is NCDOT Taking?
NCDOT recently updated its
Complete Streets policy to more fully
incorporate public transportation, and is actively revising the State Roadway Design Manual to include transit-supportive infrastructure elements supported by the results and objectives of the FAST study.