Ride, Roll and Roam: Options to get around downtown Raleigh as R-Line pauses

Getting around downtown Raleigh will look a little different starting this summer.

GoRaleigh says it will pause the R-Line beginning Sunday, August 9, citing low ridership. The free circulator route could remain paused for up to 18 months as the city evaluates downtown transportation needs and looks for potential gaps during a broader revisioning process.

While the R-Line has long been a familiar option for residents, workers and visitors, the city says there are still plenty of ways to navigate downtown quickly and easily without it.

GoRaleigh encourages riders to use its high-frequency network of bus routes, many of which run every 15 minutes. Routes 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 15, 19 and 21 all serve downtown, covering not only the former R-Line areas but extending throughout the city center.

For those looking for flexible or active options, Raleigh's scooter and bikeshare programs continue to be widely available. The city reports more than 30,000 monthly trips downtown using these services, offering a convenient and affordable way to get around. Riders can also find more than 50 designated parking locations for scooters and bikes across downtown, many featuring public art installations.

Walking remains another easy option. Downtown Raleigh spans just over a mile from north to south and is even shorter east to west, making it a manageable and accessible area for pedestrians. The city says ongoing upgrades to sidewalks and pedestrian amenities are helping make walking safer and more comfortable.

Although the R-Line will be out of service for now, city leaders are encouraging people to take advantage of the many car-free options available to explore, shop, dine and work in downtown Raleigh.