WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 15, 2025) — Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04) announced that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has awarded over $24.4 million in Capital Investment Grants (CIG) funding to Chapel Hill Transit for further development of the Chapel Hill North-South Bus Rapid Transit System project, which aims to improve access for low-income communities, senior citizens, students, and other residents in the area.
“I am thrilled to see an additional $24.4 million being invested by the Federal Transit Authority to implement bus rapid transit in Chapel Hill. This award will help fund an accessible and sustainable bus system that will connect residents and visitors to job opportunities, schools, healthcare facilities, family, and more. I look forward to seeing the transformative impact that this project will have on reducing carbon emissions, easing road congestion, and improving job accessibility in our growing region for years to come,” said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04).
“We are excited to receive this grant award. We appreciate the continued support of our federal, state, regional, and local partners for this landmark project. Our project team works tirelessly to move the NSBRT towards completion and this funding is a result of their excellent work and dedication,” said Brian Litchfield, Director of Chapel Hill Transit.
The Chapel Hill North-South Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project will serve the Town of Chapel Hill along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, South Columbia Street, and US 15-501 South, and includes 5.7 miles of exclusive bus lanes, bicycle and pedestrian paths, the purchase of fourteen vehicles,and optimized station locations. This project will enhance mobility and ease congestion in the corridor by connecting riders to major hubs, job and educational centers, and healthcare facilities, including the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), UNC Hospitals, and Downtown Chapel Hill.
In March 2024, the Chapel Hill North-South BRT project was recommended for over $138.3 million in the FY25 Capital Investments Grant Annual Report and had previously received over $8 million in FY22 CIG funding. This new award will increase the total CIG funds allocated for this project to over $32 million.