Research Triangle Park, N.C. The Triangle Transit Authority (TTA) has received Master Developer submittals from three respondents, each proposing to blend retail stores, offices, housing, entertainment, culture, and recreation around planned stations for the Regional Rail Project.

Carter HADCO, Cherokee Investment Partners LLC and Triangle Metro Developers LLC responded to TTA’s Request for Qualifications (RFQ). In the next few months, TTA’s Board of Trustees will select one or more developers to comprehensively manage the complex development process for the 12 TTA station sites along the 28-mile segment of the regional rail project.

In announcing the firms, TTA General Manager John Claflin said, “We are fortunate to have developers of such high quality and great experience interested in our project. Each of these proposals represents talent and a track record of accomplishment. Along with TTA, these firms will work with communities along the rail corridor to shape vibrant   mixed-use opportunities.”

The development must be consistent with TTA’s objectives for Transit Oriented Development (TOD), a vital component for long term success of the rail system. Development at station sites will help to create more livable environments by conserving land and by reducing the need for single passenger automobile use. 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.

A selection committee will review the submittals, interview the developers and make its recommendation for a Master Developer at a future meeting of the TTA Board of Trustees. Claflin said the goal of TTA is to “build a Regional Rail system that will be both origination and destination points for our riders.”

To see TTA's RFQ, click here (.pdf format).

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 late 2008. For more information, visit www.rideTTA.org or call (919) 549-9999.