Public+Transit

=// __Public Transportation__ //=

In today's society, transportation is a key part of everyday life. Cars represent one of the main emission sources of carbon dioxide (CO2), and while it's obvious that they're the problem, it's not as if we can simply remove them from people's garages. The answer to this problem is public transportation: if we can reduce the number of individual vehicles on the road, we can make a dent in future CO2 levels. Cities nowadays are designed with roads and highways as a priority, and while this aids car drivers, buses and trains are left behind. Advancements in public transportation would make the system not only earth friendly, but also fast, comfortable, and convenient. This, however, is not enough. With more and more countries implementing public transportation, the need arises for more advanced technologies and techniques. A number of groups and companies have dedicated many years of work to this cause.

//**GoTriangle**//
GoTriangle is a partnership of various public transport agencies and organizations in the NC Triangle area with the goal of promoting commuter benefits in that area. Their hope is to get people to lower the amount of miles driven in their own vehicles and become more aware of the pros of public transit. GoTriangle gives a multitude of services, from cyclist resources and emergency home rides to buses and airport drop-offs. __Phone:__ 919-485-7433

//**Durham Area Transit Authority (DATA)**//
DATA is the public transportation system for the city of Durham. Transporting 13,000 people a day, DATA runs approximately 53 buses and 43 vans on 18 routes. Fares are $1 for a ride, or $2 for an unlimited number of rides for one day. Students pay 0.25 cents and seniors and children ride for free. DATA provides a fast and convenient way for Durham residents to make their way around their city. __Phone:__ 919-560-1200

[[image:CTE_Logo.JPG align="right" caption="Center for Transportation and the Environment"]]
CTE focuses mainly on the research, development, and implementation of eco-friendly transportation technologies. The U.S. Department of Transportation itself contracts it's lead research projects out to the CTE, most of them focusing on environmental aspects of transportation. CTE also has stakes in education, leading multiple classes, both in person and online, on the matter of environmentally friendly, public transportation. Working alongside many different public transportation groups, the CTE is on its way to solving many problems on the issue of transportation safety and efficiency. To learn about our tour of the CTE's facilities, follow this link. __Location:__909 Capability Drive, Suite 3600 __Phone:__ 919-515-8893

//Institute for Transportation Research and Education (ITRE)//
ITRE works on research for various public transportation aspects to create a safer and more sustainable environment for drivers. Doing many different kinds of work, from road planning simulations to school bus routes, ITRE is making major strides in the problem of pollution. One of the major focuses of ITRE is the Transportation Information Management System (TIMS,) a data processing program that calculates bus routes for efficiency and convenience.

//Capital Area Transit (CAT)//
Capital Area Transit operates in Raleigh, NC, providing a number of buses for the convenience of the community. The entire program is funded and overseen by the city of Raleigh. CAT runs 41 different transit routes with 98 buses. __Location:__ 222 W. Hargett Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

//**North Carolina Public Transportation Association (NCPTA)**//
NCPTA is a non-profit organization with the goal of promoting public transportation in the state of North Carolina. Alongside the Carolina Department of Transportation, and the Federal Transit Administration, NCPTA hopes to increase the standards and awareness of the public transportation system. NCPTA is a politically active group, asking supporters to petition legislators for support in the public transportation. __E-Mail:__ ncpta@nctransit.org __Phone:__ 919-259-8009

//**TriangleTransit**//
TriangleTransit works to make an efficient and safe public transportation system for the NC Triangle area. Running regional bus and shuttle services, ride-matching, provides commuter resources, para-transit services, van-pools and an emergency ride program, TriangleTransit is a hard working and highly efficient transit company. In addition to serving the community in the present, TriangleTransit has high hopes for the future of public transportation, working to be able to keep up with rising populations while still improving standards for their services. Finally, TriangleTransit is also a part of GoTriangle __Location:__ 901 Slater Rd. Durham, NC __Phone:__ 919-549-9999

//Chapel Hill Transit//
Chapel Hill Transit is the public transportation system for the cities of Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Operating 98 buses and 11 vans, Chapel Hill Transit follows 25 routes with a mission to "provide safe, convenient, affordable, reliable, and responsive public transportation services to residents and visitors of the Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and University of North Carolina communities." Chapel Hill Transit buses can be ridden free of charge.