On Monday, Oct. 3, Raleigh City Council approved $89 million for the New Bern Bus Rapid Transit line which will connect downtown to WakeMed Hospital and New Hope Road in east Raleigh.

BRT, according to the Federal Transit Administration, is "a high-capacity bus-based transit system that delivers fast and efficient service that may include dedicated lanes, busways, traffic signal priority, off-board fare collection, elevated platforms, and enhanced stations."

By the numbers

Construction for the New Bern line will begin before the end of 2023 with plans to open for public use in the latter half of 2025. The corridor will stretch 5.4 miles with 3.3 miles of dedicated bus lanes.

The $89 million will go toward 10 new stations, seven BRT-dedicated electric, battery-powered, or compressed natural gas buses, and improved passenger amenities like off-board fare collection, which are imperative for BRT development.

Additional infrastructure including a multi-use path along the corridor, new + improved sidewalks, landscaping, and artwork will also be prioritized. Learn more about the local artists making the New Bern BRT beautiful.

What next?

New Bern Avenue is the first of four anticipated BRT projects in Raleigh, with southern, northern, and western corridor lines in various stages of development.

Learn more about the City of Raleigh's BRT projects and the plan to bring 20 miles of BRT corridors to Raleigh.