The Time is Now:

Developing a regional transportation solution

Managing the benefits and challenges of growth is one of the most important issues communities face. North Carolina’s population is projected to reach 12 million people by 2030, ranking it the seventh most populated state in the nation. The Piedmont Triad is expected to grow 15% over the next 10 years reaching 1.8 million by 2020, and is projected to top 2 million by 2030. With this growth comes a set of transportation challenges and opportunities. More people typically means more congestion, which impacts our economy, environment and quality of life. However, when growth is planned and managed effectively, communities can reap the benefits of shared resources, such as a regional transportation system. A regional transportation system would support economic development, help establish the region as a place of distinction and provide mobility choices to commuters.

Planning for our future

The Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation (PART) understands the importance of keeping our region moving today and in the future. Currently, PART is developing a Regional Transit Development Plan (RTDP) to explore the use of a sustainable, effective and efficient regional transportation system.

The RTDP includes the following studies:

• Transit Development Plan: This plan will evaluate urban fixed routes, paratransit, community systems, use of a regional express bus and intrastate connections (including bus and rail).
• Strategic Corridors Plan: This plan will assess regional economic development opportunities, community systems, use of a regional express bus, freight movement and safety and capacity improvements. 
• Financial Plans: Financial plans will be prepared for both the Transit Development and Strategic Corridors plans.  The plans will evaluate local, state and federal funding opportunities.

PART is coordinating with nine other transit systems and 10 counties in our region to develop the RTDP. Stakeholder interviews have been conducted to discuss the plan and identify transit needs. An online survey and public forum was held for opportunities for the public to participate in the planning process. Comment below on what has been developed! In addition, the RTDP will be available for review and comment this summer. Learn more by viewing the project schedule.

What We've Done So Far

PART transportation planners and partners are evaluating the Piedmont Region’s existing transportation network to learn more about travel patterns, routes, destination centers, infrastructure and more.  This information will help identify existing and future transportation needs. Information will be posted below as it becomes available. 

The Transit Development Plan includes Forsyth and Guilford Counties. The Strategic Corridors Plan includes Alamance, Davidson, Davie, Randolph, Rockingham, Stokes, Surry, and Yadkin.

If you would like to submit any comments on these documents, see contact information below.

Related Resources

Documents

• Project Fact Sheet (PDF)
• Project Schedule (PDF)

Links

• Piedmont Triad Growth Trends
• Mass Transit (Rail, Bus, Rapid Transit)

To submit your comments or questions, or if you would like to request information about the RTDP, please contact:

Mark E. Kirstner
PART - Senior Transportation Planner
7800 Airport Center Drive, Suite 103
Greensboro, NC 27409
(336) 235-6651