After a brief presentation of the Northern Corridor Major Investment Study, council endorsed Midtown alignment 6 and Triangle Town Center alignment 3 as locally preferred alternatives and directed staff to pursue design, environmental work and federal funding pathways.

GoRaleigh reported July ridership up to 682,000, about 260 active operators with 12 in training, on-time performance at 73% (goal 85%), and that Go Access (paratransit) costs are stable with taxi cost per trip $26.50; staff said a Go Access app is in development with timing to be determined.

The Raleigh Transit Authority unanimously approved a board letter of priorities for the Wake Transit Plan—emphasizing safe access, BRT integration, flexibility, and technology—after a brief discussion and the addition of a technology bullet.

Campo project manager Steven Ma told the Raleigh Transit Authority the Wake bus plan is in phase 1 engagement, with route concepts currently unconstrained, a survey open until the 15th, upcoming focus groups and later prioritization and adoption steps through FY35.

City staff said the Western BRT Corridor has reached the 30% design milestone and will present roadway layout, station types and bus-only lanes for public feedback at three October open houses; NEPA work and property acquisition are expected to follow before potential 2029 construction.

A 2025 onboard survey (≈1,800 responses) found 74% of riders earn less than $25,000 annually and 74% ride at least five days per week; the top three areas riders want improved are buses running on time, cleanliness, and feeling safe around other passengers.

RTA staff urged members to take and promote the Wake Transit 10‑year bus plan survey (open through Sept. 15). Board members pressed for clearer outreach, accessible formats and an RTA collective letter of priorities to influence route and frequency decisions for the next decade.

Planning consultant Anne Steely briefed the Raleigh Transit Authority on the FTA Section 5310 (Enhanced Mobility) 2026 call for projects, noting roughly $2.2 million available to the Raleigh urban area after set‑asides, an application window Aug. 17–Sept. 14, and awards recommended in January 2027 with funds available starting Oct. 1, 2027.

Staff said the GoRaleigh/Go Wake Access facility’s 60% design estimate rose to about $70 million (from earlier ~$47–50M at 30%) largely because geotechnical work required deeper cut/fill (9–12 ft), and the agency will seek additional Wake Transit funding; Pool Road facility reached 100% design and is due to be bid soon with an estimated cost near $23 million.

Staff gave a system overview showing ridership growth, the Wake Transit Plan's funding role, and safety measures including collaboration with Raleigh Police Department, added on-site supervisors and a proposed transit safety ambassador program; board members pressed for stop-level crime data and discussed hub-and-spoke versus grid options.

City staff and Aya Aldez, senior project manager, said construction has begun on the New Bern Avenue bus rapid transit project. Utility work and lane closures between East Street and Twain Street are active; sidewalks and a multi-use path are also planned.