At the Wake Board of Commissioners retreat February 15, mayors and town managers urged the Wake County Commissioners to move forward on the Wake Transit Plan. Officials from Wake Forest, Raleigh, Rolesville, Morrisville, Cary, and Knightdale stated it is time for official discussion of the plan and stressed the need for more bus service and rail for the betterment of their communities. When the Commissioners later discussed their priorities for 2013, taking action on transit was on the list, but no clear direction was given. Commissioners Betty Lou Ward, Caroline Sullivan, and James West all proposed having a clear time frame for action and for formal, public discussion. However, Commissioners Paul Coble and Phil Matthews said the plan needs to be reviewed by “outside experts” from around the country. They did not seem eager to take action soon. Coble characterized the cities’ desire for transit as wanting “free” service. The half-cent sales tax would be paid for by all citizens in the county.
On other priorities discussed, the Commissioners did state having a school construction bond on the October ballot is the top goal for them. No mayors mentioned the need to move forward on the bond this year.