Research Triangle Park, N.C. – The Triangle Transit Authority (TTA) is developing a world class rail transit system in the Triangle and is seeking a master developer or developers to blend retail stores, offices, housing, entertainment, culture, and recreation around the rail stations.

Today, TTA has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for development of the Triangle Transit Authority station sites for the Regional Rail Project. The RFQ is available by clicking here.

The purpose of this RFQ is to select one or more developers who are capable of competently and comprehensively managing the complex development process for properties in and around one or more rail station sites in a way that is consistent with TTA’s objectives for Transit Oriented Development (TOD).

Transit Oriented Development is a vital component for long term success of the rail system. This type of development focuses on creating compact neighborhoods with housing, employment, shopping, community services, and recreational opportunities all within convenient walking distance of public transit. Development at station sites will help to create more livable environments by conserving land and by reducing the need for single passenger automobile use.

Proposers for the master developers opportunity must demonstrate an understanding of the long range costs, responsibilities, and benefits of owning, managing and maintaining the improvements for one, several, or all of the 12 TTA station sites on the initial 28-mile segment of the regional rail project.

According to TTA General Manager, John Claflin, “Thoughtful design of compact development around the rail stations will foster increased ridership and enhance the economic benefits of the rail system.”

“Our goal,” Claflin continues, “is to develop rail stations that are both origins and destinations. Such development has been proven to the increase land value around transit stations, specifically when the development supports transit use in the community. We believe that building a transit system that is surrounded by thoughtful and diverse development is an essential step in managing the predicted population growth of this region.”

The RFQ is available by clicking here. RFQ Submissions are due by 4:00 p.m. EDT on July 20, 2005. A Pre-Submittal Conference will be held on July 6, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. EDT at the TTA offices, 68 T.W. Alexander Drive in the Research Triangle Park.

TTA is a regional public transportation provider, offering a wide variety of transit and vanpool services to North Carolina's greater Triangle Region and outlying counties. Bus service is available to Apex, Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham, Garner, RDU International Airport, Research Triangle Park (RTP) and Raleigh. The Triangle Transit Authority also provides commuter resources and hosts GoTriangle.org, the on-line resource for public transportation information in the Triangle.

TTA plans to implement a 28-mile rail transit system with 12 stations connecting Durham, RTP, Cary and Raleigh, with shuttles linking RDU International Airport and RTP. The rail transit system is expected to be operational in 2008. For more information, visit www.rideTTA.org or call (919) 549-9999.