Research Triangle Park, N.C. - Triangle Transit Authority General Manager John Claflin  has commented on the proposed Triangle Parkway which would connect to NC 147 (Durham Freeway) and the future extension of I-540, south of RTP. The proposed          3.2 mile parkway is being considered as one of three toll roads in the state that           could be selected for development later this year by the N.C. Turnpike Authority.      Claflin’s remarks were made to a session of the N.C. Turnpike Authority on                 June 10, 2004:

“Good Morning Ladies and Gentlemen. My name is John Claflin and I am the General Manager of the Triangle Transit Authority located at 68 T.W. Alexander here in the park. I am representing our agency and Board of Trustees in support of the Triangle Parkway toll road as one of the toll projects to be implemented in the state.

As you know, the Triangle region’s population grew 75% from 1980 to 2000 and is expected to double by 2025 from what it is today. The capacity of our roadway network has not kept up with our population growth and more importantly with the vehicle miles traveled annually. This growth is seen daily as TTA vehicles are today delayed on I-40 trying to get to their destinations in the park.

Our Board of Trustees has adopted a resolution that supports the toll road, because it is a multi-modal project allowing the opportunity for transit, van pools and car pools to save time, save fuel and reduce pollution. In fact, it is the desire of our Board that the toll road allow for toll-free access to transit and car pools in order to take advantage of the time-savings and to provide additional incentives to individuals who utilize transit. Public transit’s use of the toll road will allow it to be an important component in efforts to create, attract and retain jobs in the economic expansion of the Triangle.

This toll road alignment has been carefully planned and this type of planning is what ensures acceptance and use by the public of the investment in infrastructure. TTA believes that continued cooperation and collaboration between transportation agencies on transportation improvement is what will continue to sustain the Triangle as one of the best places in the nation to live and do business. Thank you.”

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, RTP and Raleigh. The Triangle Transit Authority also provides commuter resources and hosts GoTriangle.org, the new on-line resource for the public transportation information in the Triangle. TTA plans to implement a 35-mile rail transit system with 16 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.