The GoRaleigh transit system continues to improve service – we now have 11 high frequency routes that provide 15 minute service. We know folks are more likely to take the bus when it comes often. See the map above for the progress made from just 2024 to 2025. GoRaleigh has 34 total routes that serve 7.5 million riders. In 2025, 61% of the annual ridership rode free due to income eligibility.
Raleigh benefits the most from Wake County’s $0.50 sales tax for transit. We will use Wake Transit monies to fund 49% of GoRaleigh’s operating expenditures in fiscal year 2027, and their contribution will increase in future years as we build out bus rapid transit.
The Moore Square GoRaleigh station has been in the news lately. Up to 17,000 people use this downtown hub station daily with 65 buses coming in and out on average every hour. It serves as our transit system’s core hub with centralized routes optimized for downtown commutes and operational efficiencies. One conversation that has arisen is whether a grid system would be more effective in Raleigh. Parallel, perpendicular routes could provide for faster suburb to suburb connectivity and flexibility. As of 2023, 32% of riders made transfers and 70% were happening downtown at the Moore Square station.
Media started a conversation about moving the Moore Square station because of safety concerns. The open door, open air facility has 10 access points which makes security challenging. Safety for riders and drivers is critical. But we have no plans to move the station. Rather, we have opportunities to reduce access points and close or secure the Wilmington Street tunnel. City staff suggested a long range study (12-18 months) to evaluate crime prevention through environmental design but City Council wants to move faster – we could close the Wilmington St entrance and improve public safety coordination in a much faster time frame. I will continue to advocate for improved security of the facility and acting with speed.