Additional route needed: Chapel Hill-Carrboro circular bus route would aid commuters businesses

The Raynor administration should be applauded for successfully pushing changes to the current Safe Ride J Route.

The new route connects East Franklin Street with downtown Carrboro and includes a stop at the Varsity Theatre.

But the improvements shouldn't stop there.

Using Chapel Hill Transit it is impossible to get from East Franklin Street to downtown Carrboro without the hassle of transferring buses.

The town could look to a recent Raleigh initiative for a solution.

Starting Friday Raleigh will implement the Circulator R-Line" a free bus service that ""circulates"" the downtown area every 10 to 15 minutes with extended hours on weekend nights.

Chapel Hill should investigate implementing a similar route that connects East Franklin with downtown Carrboro.

Both towns would benefit from a circulator bus system.

A circulator route would enable individuals to park in one of the many Chapel Hill lots and take a quick bus ride down Main Street" where parking is limited.

And opening up the area for more daytime shoppers and nightlife could boost Carrboro commerce.

The route would also enable easier commutes for Carrboro residents working in Chapel Hill and for students getting to and from campus.

 Town and university officials have discussed the safety of students and residents during evening hours in town development plans. Creating a circulator would allow students to get from campus to Carrboro more safely at night saving students the mile walk in dimly lit areas.

The revised Safe Ride J Route is only the beginning.

Town and University officials should look at the feasibility of implementing a permanent daily circulator route.