Spectacular Magazine May 2014 May 2014 | Page 15

FEATURES By Dr. Earl C. Johnson President, Raleigh Wake Citizens’ Association, and Pastor, Martin Street Baptist Church RALEIGH, NC - Do you ride public transit here in the Triangle, or do you know someone who does? If you don’t, chances are it’s because the bus takes too long, doesn’t travel where you need to, or because you have a car and don’t need the bus. However, a growing number of people in the Triangle have no other option for transportation because they can’t afford a vehicle or because they are unable to drive. Plus, we live in one of the fastest growing metro regions in the nation, and our roads grow more crowded each year. No question, we need better transit service. The good news is that there is a Triangle region plan to expand and improve bus service, build commuter rail to link Durham and Wake Counties, and eventually create an electric light rail line. Durham and Orange Counties have already approved their parts of the plan, are adding bus service and are planning light rail. The bad news is that the Wake County transit plan for has been put on hold for over two years and has not even been reviewed by County leaders. Why? Like many things, it’s all about politics. Let