At an Orange County public hearing Tuesday night, students rallied for Orange County Commissioners to pass a proposed transit plan that would provide them with better access to more of the area.
The plan would include increased bus services, improvements for existing bus stops, a rail station in Hillsborough and plans for a light rail between the University and Durham. It would be funded in part by a half-cent sales tax.
If commissioners choose to pursue the plan, residents will vote on a tax in a referendum during the November elections.
Patrick McDonough, senior transportation planner for Triangle Transit, said the plan would use $6 million in the first five years for bus capital, like bus shelters and bike racks.
McDonough also said the proposed plan would add 34,650 hours to existing bus schedules, to be implemented by 2017.
While most attendees supported the transit plan, some worried that it wouldn’t provide the economic development it promised.
“When looking at this, who is this going to profit?” said Will Raymond, a Chapel Hill resident. “The people in Durham, the investors in Durham.”
About six students, including recently elected Student Body President Will Leimenstoll, also spoke. All supported the plan.
Freshman Jasmine Ruddy spoke on behalf of the UNC Sierra Club and said she felt the plan would both give her greater access and be environmentally smart.
