Agenda - 05-03-2012 - 1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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~o Attachment 3 Draft Bus and Rail Transit Plan in Oran~e Countv• Freauentlv Asked Questions (FAQ1 Q1: Why do we need improved transit in Orange County and the Triangle? A1: Estimates show that the Triangle region is projected to add more than one million people over the next couple of decades, and the state demographer projects that close to 40,000 of these newcomers will live in Orange County by 2030.. In addition to those new residents, it is also projected that there will be another 29,000 jobs in the county by 2030, with almost 97% of that job growth anticipated to occur in Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, and Carrboro. If not managed properly, this growth will put strain on our roads, neighborhoods, and natural environment, and will degrade the quality of life we enjoy today. Expanding mobility options in heavily traveled corridors, including more bus service and light rail, will support local efforts to manage growth, increase economic development opportunities, and preserve our environment, while enhancing our quality of life. Q2: What major elements does the plan include? A2: The plan includes: • Early implementation of local and regional bus service improvements in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough, and in unincorporated Orange County with connections between those communities, as well as to Durham, Raleigh, and other points of interest. • A local match contribution to be combined with NCDOT and federal funds to build an intercity rail station in Hillsborough to take advantage of Amtrak service that already runs through Orange County several times each day. • Construction of an enhanced bus lane facility on MLK Blvd in Chapel Hill • With state and federal financial support, the plan will add a future light rail transit system from UNC Hospitals to East Durham, providing connections to East 54/Glen Lennox, Meadowmont, The Friday Center, Patterson Place,