Ashley Cole

The public meeting covered updates on the bus station improvement project, including the platform shift and construction timeline. Management discussed upcoming service changes in May for specific routes to address capacity and ridership demands, as well as recent performance metrics regarding on-time arrivals and missed trips. Other topics included the addition of electric and refurbished buses, new charging infrastructure plans, and upcoming community outreach events scheduled for April. Attendees also engaged in a question-and-answer session regarding bus reliability, accessibility concerns for riders with disabilities, and navigation of the current station platform structure.

The public meeting covered updates on several key initiatives. Discussions included the 2026 Durham Bike + Walk Plan, which addresses areas lacking sidewalks and highlights continuous sidewalk gaps. The General Manager provided context on service suspensions during recent winter weather, prioritizing safety. The importance of Transit Equity Day and Black History Month was acknowledged. Updates were provided on the development of the GoDurham ACCESS website. Significant changes to bus operations were announced, including the relocation of numerous GoDurham and GoTriangle routes to a temporary bay on Pettigrew Street and a parking deck due to ongoing construction at Durham Station, expected to last approximately one year. The achievement of three drivers inducted into the Million Miler Club for 12 years of accident-free driving was highlighted. Further details regarding the Transit App's utility for stop closures and information about the Durham Bus Rapid Transit Plan were also presented.

Key discussion topics included an update on the city's cycling walk plan, which identifies priority sidewalk projects and micro-gap improvements, factoring in access to bus stops and transit routes. Updates were provided regarding the status of GoDurham fixed-route transportation, noting positive developments with clients and staff following a transition period, and commending drivers for service during recent storms. There were updates on technology improvements, specifically the adjustment of destination signs on all fleet vehicles to ensure accurate route display. Major construction milestones were discussed, including the temporary relocation of bus boarding from the main platform starting February 16th to allow for full reconstruction of the platform to improve walkways, restrooms, seating, and lighting, a process expected to take about a year. Service continuity and communication regarding route changes were emphasized. Significant progress was noted on fleet modernization, with the introduction of 2025 battery-electric buses, replacing older, less reliable models. Plans for recognizing three new members of the GoDurham Million Miles Club and two who achieved 2 million safe miles were mentioned. Furthermore, significant capital improvements were announced, including design approval for a new state-of-the-art maintenance facility for GoAccess Paratransit and an expansion for the fixed-route fleet maintenance facility to accommodate larger buses. Progress on the Central Durham Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project was highlighted, detailing route coverage and features like traffic signal priority, alongside ongoing planning efforts for six future BRT corridors in partnership with Durham County. Updates on GoDurham Access Paratransit included the upcoming launch of a dedicated website to streamline registration and certification processes.

The GoDurham Short Range Transit Plan (SRTP) outlines strategic guidance for service and operations over the next five to ten years. The plan focuses on improving route reliability, extending the high-frequency service network to 15-minute intervals in areas like Streets at Southpoint and Duke/VA Hospital, and simplifying existing routes. It also proposes increasing 30-minute frequency for some Sunday and weekday evening services and enhancing direct connections to major destinations. Additionally, the plan includes a Microtransit Planning Study to explore on-demand services in specific zones and reallocates resources from the Bull City Connector to support system-wide improvements. The objective is to provide 9.3 more miles of frequent service, increasing access for 12,700 more residents and jobs to frequent service, and 16,000 additional residents and jobs to 30-minute frequency or better.

The meeting commenced with the introduction of the new General Manager for GoDurham, who detailed his extensive background in public transit. Key discussion points included the current status of the system, emphasizing vehicle and operator resources, and the collaborative nature of public transit service delivery. Safety was highlighted, noting the graduation of new drivers and the addition of three operators reaching the "million mile" milestone. Operational discussions covered preparation for bad weather and the introduction of new electric buses. Service changes implemented on November 1st, particularly affecting East Durham (Route 3 running every 15 minutes, Route 16 now running every 30 minutes), and the introduction of the cross-town Route 13 connecting The Village, Durham Tech, and NC Central University were reviewed. Feedback on these route changes, including increased ridership and on-time performance challenges on certain routes (like the 8 and 12/12B), was noted, along with commitments to improve communication and monitor performance. Community outreach efforts, such as a coat drive and partnership with the Food Bank of Central Eastern North Carolina that resulted in boxing 324 meals, and participation in an upcoming parade, were also detailed. Finally, the BOG Access reported on their operations, mentioning 57 operators and over 16,900 trips last month, and stated they are hiring part-time operators.