A trio of North Carolina entities maintain recently released cooperative study findings determined the proposed Freeway And Street-based Transit (FAST) network would yield a variety of benefits.
Regional Transportation Alliance business coalition, GoTriangle and the NC Department of Transportation personnel said FAST would complement upcoming investments in bus rapid transit and commuter rail; directly serve RDU Airport and Research Triangle Park; and capitalize on ongoing and future highway projects.
The analysis sought to accelerate the potential development of a region wide network of high-quality transit routes to better connect the Triangle area, per authorities.
“The regional business community recognizes the need for effective transportation as our market grows,” Maeve Gardner, chair, Regional Transportation Alliance business coalition, said. “The preliminary findings from the FAST study provide a game plan to strengthen the mobility connections essential for our region’s ongoing success.”
GoTriangle Board of Trustees Chairman Michael Parker said the organization is constantly seeking more efficient and innovative ways to serve the Triangle area.
“The FAST approach and potential projects will inspire, inform and advance new ideas that can lead our agency and our regional transit partners into a new era of enhanced transit for our community,” he said.
NC Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary for Multimodal Transportation Julie White indicated the FAST approach could serve as a template for many areas across the state to advance regional transit.