Chapel Hill Transit Lands $24.4 Million in Federal Grants for Bus Rapid Transit Project

Chapel Hill Transit’s future bus rapid transit project got a funding boost on Wednesday, as U.S. Rep. Valerie Foushee announced it earned $24.4 million in grant funding from the federal government.

A release from Foushee’s office said the Chapel Hill North-South Bus Rapid Transit System landed the funding from the Federal Transit Administration and its capital investment grants. The congresswoman — whose district includes Chapel Hill and all of Orange County — said she is “thrilled” to see the additional $24.4 million allocated to her community.

“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,” Foushee said. “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.”

The amount falls far short of what was initially recommended in the Biden administration’s budget proposal last spring, as the NSBRT was listed to receive $138 million as one of 14 transit projects in the request. But it marks the biggest chunk of federal funding received yet, which is critical since roughly 70% of the project’s cost is expected to come from the Federal Transit Administration and U.S. government. This inclusion will raise the federal portion to $32 million so far.

The goal for Chapel Hill’s bus rapid transit system is to create 8.2 miles of uninterrupted bus service along the community’s main north-south corridors: Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, South Columbia Street, and U.S. 15-501. The plan calls for creating a lane specifically for Chapel Hill Transit buses, which would allow them to avoid traffic, and special control of intersection signals to allow buses to pass through to their stops. The transportation updates extend beyond just bus service too, as the project aims to add multi-use paths along the route with a completed sidewalk network and improve pedestrian crossings.

A map of the future Chapel Hill North South Bus Rapid Transit line created around, featuring potential stops and important areas it will serve. (Photo via the Town of Chapel Hill.)

“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,” said Brian Litchfield, Director of Chapel Hill Transit, in Foushee’s office’s release. “Our project team works tirelessly to move the NSBRT towards completion and this funding is a result of their excellent work and dedication.”

Chapel Hill Transit — a fare-free system that serves Chapel Hill, Carrboro and UNC’s campus — has been in the developmental stages for the North-South Bus Rapid Transit project since 2016. During an update to the town council in early 2024, Litchfield said the effort had enough funding to take it through 90 percent of its design phase. Once the designs are finalized, securing additional federal and state funding for the project will be more straightforward. Presently, the goal is to begin construction on the bus lane in 2027 and launch the bus rapid transit service in 2029.

Additional details on the North-South Bus Rapid Transit System can be found on the Town of Chapel Hill’s website.

Featured photo via the Town of Chapel Hill.

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Chapel Hill Transit Lands $24.4 Million in Federal Grants for Bus Rapid Transit Project

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