Last month, Chloe Courtney Bohl wrote about a “bracingly honest” draft strategic plan from GoTriangle. The regional transit agency’s board chair told Chloe after false starts on light rail and commuter rail, GoTriangle is trying to find its footing and pivoting to other modes of transportation like bus rapid transit (BRT). Readers shared their reactions:

From reader Amy B. via email:

I just want to add my feelings of profound disappointment. After decades of life in this region I am once again a commuter along the I-85 corridor with no viable public transit options. This month I put almost 2K miles on my car and burned costly fuel. There are a handful of almost-not-quite/don’t bother public transport options. I am exhausted, perhaps, more than outraged. A regional bus takes me potentially from UNC Hospital to G’boro but won’t stop at hospitals there (where I work). No one system (train or bus) allows for a seamless connection and most require a costly Uber ride at one end.  And yet my taxes go up (on car and property) while the can is perpetually kicked down the road on the empty promises of rail transport that other countries have utilized since the last century. Make it make sense.

From Instagram user goblin_beans:

The city did a groundbreaking ceremony for BRT in late 2023. It’s 2025 nothing has been even STARTED. This is why there is no trust in our transit: it’s a laughing stock.

From Instagram user pitaa_breadd:

Until the bus systems easily integrate together into a common MTA it won’t get any better. Often it’s not clear if I have to take a GO Cary, Triangle, Raleigh or Durham bus. None of the systems work together and technically the ticketing is separate for them, leading to confusion on how it all works

Jane Porter reflected on sweet memories with her daughter during the COVID lockdown in a story about the North Carolina Art Museum’s annual Art in Bloom floral festival. Readers enjoyed the lovely piece and beautiful photos, by Angelica Edwards:

From Instagram user @westqueenstudio:

I remember having blooms that I was going to use to create a piece for Art [in] Bloom and then lockdown happened and we used all those blooms to make random installations around our town! I had totally forgotten about that until you just reminded me. Glad you enjoyed the exhibit. There’s so many amazing pieces this year and thanks for showcasing our [floral installation featured in the exhibit] Moni!

From Bluesky user @pamlivengoodbrown:

Ultimate #bloomscrolling with the NC Museum of Art.

Finally, Chase Pellegrini de Paur’s piece exploring the authenticity of the Durham accents featured on HBO’s The White Lotus continues to generate reader responses, including a short work submitted for National Poetry Month:

From reader (and Los Angeles-based poet) Ivan Smason via email:

Parker Posey Poesy

At this advanced age, there is a girl who
drives me wild

The prettiest girl I ever dialed

In my dreams, ever so styled

Parker Posey drives me wild

Parker Posey drives me wild

My tears right now are crocodile-d

But missing her is hardly mild

Parker Posey drives me wild

Parker Posey drives me wild

If she’s read this, I hope she smiled

My case, in toto, has been filed

Parker Posey drives me wild

Comment on this story at [email protected].