With Growing Expenses, Durham Officials Are Looking for Ways to Keep Buses Free

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Good morning, readers.

Durham leadership has invested millions of dollars into the public transportation system in recent years. Through bonds and city budget allocations, the transportation department has made commitments to build a new transit station, increase the frequency of bus routes, and expand the city’s bike lane network. Last October, the city also adopted an updated set of design standards to modernize its approach to urban transportation methodology.

But during this year’s budget cycle, the Durham city council will have to recalculate its recent investment to keep GoDurham bus rides fare-free.

An injection of federal funds deployed to state and local governments during the pandemic is starting to run out, and the current administration is unlikely to provide additional funding for transportation projects, especially those connected to equity or climate initiatives. The city council will need to find other sources of revenue to operate the bus system, which could include bringing back bus fares. But council members have been steadfast in their desire to keep GoDurham buses free to not exclude Durham’s low-income riders, many of whom rely on public transit for basic needs.

At next Monday’s first public hearing for the FY2025-26 budget, transportation advocates will likely roll up to City Hall and make the same request as last year: fare-free buses. You can read why, even though the city council seems aligned in retaining its fare-free policy, the decision isn’t as simple as in years past.

Have a good Tuesday.

 —Justin

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Durham

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