Wake County Commissioners Weigh $3.3B Transit Plan
Equity, Staffing, and Community Access Take Spotlight during discussions.
Holly Springs, NC, April 16, 2025 — Wake County Commissioners took a close look Monday at the region’s proposed 10-year Wake Transit Plan update, which outlines $3.3 billion in projected revenue through 2035. While the plan emphasizes regional bus rapid transit (BRT), expanded local service, and community mobility hubs, much of the board’s discussion centered on practical concerns — from workforce readiness to financial risk and public trust.
The work session featured a presentation from Ben Howell, Wake Transit Program Manager, who outlined the plan’s capital investments and service goals. While the plan will not return to the Board of Commissioners for a formal vote, commissioners were encouraged to provide feedback ahead of the GoTriangle and CAMPO boards' expected adoption later this year.
Commissioners Raise Staffing Concerns
Several commissioners questioned whether regional transit agencies will have the people needed to deliver on the plan’s ambitions. Commissioner Vickie Adamson pointedly asked,
“We need bus drivers, we need people to clean buses, we need people to fix buses, we need people to maintain bus stops. And you didn’t include, you know, at what point you’ll be adding staff, and are those folks in the market?”
Howell responded that local operators like GoRaleigh, GoCary, and GoTriangle will be responsible for staffing but said the 10-year outlook gives agencies time to plan. He also noted that the Wake Bus Plan, which informs implementation, helps transit partners determine what they can “feasibly put into place each year over the next five years.”
Financial Model Backed — with Reservations
While the $3.3 billion financial projection includes revenue from sales taxes, rental car taxes, vehicle registration fees, and federal sources, some revenue streams remain uncertain. Commissioner Don Mial pressed Howell on the reliability of the projections, asking,
“How confident are you in the funding strategy?”
Howell said the team was confident, though he acknowledged challenges with farebox and rental car tax revenue. “We may have potential challenges that add up to around $112 million,” he noted, referencing those two streams.
Mial also asked about federal assumptions built into the plan. Howell explained that while federal funding wasn’t initially included, it became necessary to complete the strategy — especially for large-scale projects like the I-40 BRT corridor and airport access hub.
Calls for Broader Community Outreach
Commissioners highlighted gaps in public awareness and recommended expanding outreach efforts to ensure all communities understand and benefit from the plan. Vice Chair Shinica Thomas asked,
“Have you guys been successful in being able to get the people to understand that what we are trying to do… to make this an easier process for people to be able to get around the county?”
Commissioner Cheryl Stallings emphasized that not all groups are likely being reached through current efforts, adding,
“Perhaps where some communities reaching out to the faith community or nonprofits are also a good way to include some voices that are not often captured in the traditional methods.”
Howell said staff would continue refining outreach and education, particularly around explaining the concept and benefits of BRT.
Environmental Transition in Focus
Commissioners also expressed interest in the energy efficiency of the county’s growing fleet. While not all vehicles are electric or hybrid, Howell said more than 70 percent of new cars fall under clean energy categories like compressed natural gas or hybrid-electric.
Transit Culture Shift and Local Control
Former Wake County Commissioner and current NC House Representative Maria Cervania also emphasized the importance of changing the public's mindset about transit.
“It is really good to see that the big four moves pair so nicely with the community and stakeholder priorities,” she said. “It shows us that in some ways we’re being responsive and in other ways we’re sort of building it and believing they’ll come.”
Commissioner Cheryl Stallings added,
“What are we learning about the priorities of our community partners?”
Howell pointed to several local successes, including microtransit programs in Apex, Morrisville, and Wake Forest. Wake Forest, he noted, replaced a low-performing fixed-route service with an app-based, on-demand model and is now seeing higher ridership. Holly Springs is launching its circulator this year.
Next Steps: Public Input Begins in May
Wake County residents will have the opportunity to weigh in on the draft plan during a public engagement period from May 1 to May 30. The final version will be adopted later this year by the GoTriangle Board of Trustees and the CAMPO Executive Board.
“We’ll have the final recommended draft Wake Transit plan put out and we’ll do some final engagement this fall before adoption,” Howell said.
The MASIVE 3..3 Billion is a "make-work" fiasco that adds cost without a commensurate return. Go into any large city and you'll see lots of empty busses driving around. Extreme waste of money.