It’s Tuesday, June 11.

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Good morning, readers. 

Since the pandemic, bus service across the Triangle has been fare-free. 

But as pandemic-era aid dries up, fares will return to GoTriangle and GoRaleigh routes next month. GoDurham and Chapel Hill Transit routes will remain free, thanks to funding from those local governments. Here’s a quick rundown:

  • GoTriangle, the regional service with a fleet of green buses, will charge a single ride fare of $2.50. Buses will still be free for those who are 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.
  • GoRaleigh will charge a single ride fare of $1.25, but with similar discounts to GoTriangle. Fares return as the city council decided not to include money for free fares in the fiscal year 2025 budget. (Even with fares, Raleigh’s transit system is set to run an $8 million deficit.)
  • GoDurham is set to keep service free, pending the city council’s upcoming budget vote. Council members, with an eye towards the city’s climate goals, have discussed challenges in encouraging wealthier (and whiter) auto owners to take the bus.

For more on Durham’s transit equity efforts, check out our previous coverage here.

  • Chapel Hill Transit’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. 

Check out the full rundown here. And have a good Tuesday.

—Chase

Durham

The Durham County Board of Commissioners voted 4-1 to pass a $966 million budget. It includes a property tax rate increase of 4.65 cents to 79.87 cents per $100 valuation. The budget also includes $208.6 million for Durham Public Schools, an increase of $27 million in county funds for the school system, meeting all but a small fraction of DPS’s budget request. The budget will provide salary increases for classified staff and others and money to support master’s degree pay.

Wake

The City of Raleigh is officially breaking ground on its new 17-story City Hall tower today.

Orange

The Town of Chapel Hill plans to convert town-owned property off of Legion Road into a  constructed wetland.

North Carolina

Here’s how to celebrate Juneteenth around the Triangle. 

Today’s weather

Sunny with a high of 85 degrees.

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