RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Participants in a panel discussion on what changes are needed to public transportation in the Triangle Friday suggested more bus stops.
"Transit Equity: A Platform for Growth and Economic Prosperity" was a meeting open to the public that included input from PolicyLink, WakeUP Wake County, the Budget and Tax Center and Raleigh Transit Authority. It focused on expanding transit options and enhancing mobility especially for low and moderate income residents.
Groups like Urban Ministries and Dress for Success, two organizations that help low income residents, said many rely on public transportation, but the closest bus stop is close to a mile away, forcing clients to walk along a busy stretch of Capital Boulevard.
"We had a woman on Tuesday who was coming for an appointment, she was a veteran, and she was walking with her 7-year-old daughter, and they got turned around, getting off the bus stop, coming up the exit ramp, trying to find our building," said Katie Lowek with Dress for Success.
Stories like that have advocates begging transportation officials to do something.
"We've actually talked about this on a regular basis and I know many of our volunteers and staff members have petitioned and contacted people locally to see what can we do to get a bus stop closer," said Lowek.
A representative with the Raleigh Transit Authority said they'd look into the issue. Meanwhile, they're asking anyone with similar issues to contact them directly.
"The key for us sometimes is knowing what your particular issues are so the authority can review it and see if maybe there's another bus that can come to the area that can be closer so someone wouldn't have to walk as far," explained Corey Branch with the Raleigh Transit Authority.
With the need for expanded services, the Raleigh Transit Authority is also looking at fare increases. At Friday's meeting, it reminded the public that seniors and children under 12 ride for free. Disabled residents get 50 percent off.