The Research Triangle area of North Carolina keeps trying—and failing—to develop effective transit solutions despite strong voter support for improvements. After a promising light rail project was derailed by Duke University in 2019, the region has pivoted to Bus Rapid Transit projects with mixed success.

• Voters approved a half-cent sales tax in 2011-2012 specifically for transit improvements including the 17.7-mile Durham Orange Light Rail
• Duke University refused to sign necessary agreements in 2019, effectively killing the light rail project that would have connected three universities
• Raleigh has developed plans for four BRT lines extending from downtown in all directions
• Despite a groundbreaking ceremony in 2023, Raleigh's BRT project has faced two failed contractor selection attempts and completion is now projected for 2030
• Durham is pursuing its own BRT plans but remains in earlier planning stages
• A proposed 43-mile commuter rail connecting West Durham through Raleigh to Clayton lost federal funding support in 2023
• The Triangle region already has Amtrak service with about five daily trains between towns, but frequency and reliability need improvement

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