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| A Quarterly Publication of the Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS® |
May-June 2009 Issue
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About Us March Dates to Remember
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In an effort to better connect commuters with key areas throughout downtown Raleigh’s central business district, the Raleigh Transit Authority recently began service of the new R-Line. The R-Line is downtown Raleigh's mode to connect employees, residents and visitors to retail, restaurants, entertainment venues and parking in the central business district. Early indications show that commuters are taking advantage of the new downtown circulator. During the first week of service, from Feb. 13-20, a total of 2,409 commuters took a ride on the R-Line. And, according to Stacey Carless, transit marketing specialist for the Raleigh Public Works Department, the numbers have remained strong. “During the first month of service, over 12,000 riders utilized the R-Line service,” says Carless. “And we have been averaging approximately 200 riders per day during weekdays and 500 riders per day on the weekends.” In keeping with the Raleigh Transit Authority’s commitment to making Raleigh a green city, two specially designed, environmentally friendly hybrid electric buses are used on the route. “The buses utilize the same type of technology found in hybrid cars, such as the Toyota Prius,” explains Carless. The bright green and blue colors of the buses reflect the “green” factor of the vehicles, signifying green earth and blue air. “Last year we purchased several bio-diesel compatible buses for Raleigh’s regular transit service,” says Carless. “The hybrid electric buses used on the R-Line are a natural next-step in the city’s commitment to energy-efficiency.” The design of the vehicles also symbolizes that the R-Line is a joint effort of the Raleigh Transit Authority, Downtown Raleigh Alliance (DRA) and the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (GRCVB). The "R" logo featured on the buses is part of the DRA's "You R Here" campaign. The new R-Line has garnered praise from both commuters and business leaders with an interest in the central business district. “This service has been a terrific addition to the downtown Raleigh transportation system,” says Joe Milazzo, executive director of the Regional Transportation Alliance of the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce. “People are really utilizing it and we have heard nothing but good things about the service.” The buses are free to ride and each one has 36 seats. They conveniently run every 10 to 15 minutes and the hours of operation for the new service are 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 2:15 a.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 1-8 p.m. on Sunday. For more information about the new R-Line, contact Carless at (919) 996-3030. (Myers, advertising sales assistant for REALTOR® Review, is Editor/Coordinator for the magazines division of Tidewater Builders Association in Chesapeake, Va.)
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| Raleigh
Regional Association of REALTORS® | Phone:
919.654.5400 Fax: 919-654.5401 |