GoTriangle

GoTriangle, the regional service with a fleet of green buses, announced that fares will return to its routes starting July 1. GoTriangle’s routes branch from central hubs in Durham, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and Cary to connect as far west as Mebane and as far east as Zebulon. Riders who download the Umo app will still ride for free through July.

GoTriangle buses will still be free for those under 18 or over 65, as well as adults with disabilities or those who qualify for Medicaid, SNAP/EBT benefits, or have a household income below $35,000.

Raleigh

GoRaleigh buses will likely start collecting fares again on July 1. Despite some conversations on the city city council aimed at addressing the issue, the current budget proposal does not include funding to keep the service free. The budget proposal cited the end of pandemic-era federal aid, and noted that, even with fares, Raleigh’s transit system is set to run an $8 million deficit in fiscal year 2025.

Construction has recently started on Raleigh’s Bus Rapid Transit line on New Bern Avenue, though residents have worried about the gentrification that may come with a zoning change along the route to allow for taller buildings and more housing. 

A GoRaleigh bus stops on New Bern Avenue Credit: Photo by Angelica Edwards

Durham

GoDurham’s bus lines are set to remain fare-free for at least another year, as long as the ongoing city council budget negotiations don’t come crashing down. 

Durham council member Javiera Caballero, at a recent budget work session, said she hoped that higher ridership would help the city meet its climate goals by steering people away from driving their own cars. 

But council member Mark-Anthony Middleton pointed out that the city faces another challenge in getting wealthier (and often whiter) auto owners to take the bus. 

“I want to keep it fare-free. But I want to keep it fare-free with a cross-section of Durham residents riding it, not just a service for predominantly lower-income black and brown folk,” Middleton said. “If we’re going to truly reduce our carbon footprint and get to where we need to be, it’s got to be an egalitarian—everybody [needs to see] it as something they can use.” 

Of respondents to a 2022 survey of Durham bus riders, 77 percent identified as Black, 87 percent lived in households making less than $35,000 a year, and 77 percent didn’t have access to a car.

Chapel Hill Transit

Chapel Hill’s signature Carolina Blue buses have been fare-free for decades thanks to a partnership between Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and the University of North Carolina. There are currently no plans to start charging fees, even on the new Bus Rapid Transit line that is currently under development. 

Reach Reporter Chase Pellegrini de Paur at [email protected]. Comment on this story at [email protected].

Chase Pellegrini de Paur is a reporter for INDY, covering politics, education, and the delightful characters who make the Triangle special. He joined the staff in 2023 and previously wrote for The Ninth Street Journal.