Have you ever considered leaving your car behind for the day and hoofing it around downtown? Earlier this year, the City of Raleigh made that a little easier by introducing the new R-Line free downtown circulator bus.
I've had the good fortune of catching the bus a couple of times now, and was not disappointed. Not only is this a free service that encourages mass transit, but it's also eco-friendly! The City of Raleigh selected a hybrid-electric bus that uses biodiesel instead of standard diesel fuel...SWEET!
The bus runs from the Performing Arts Center and Convention Center to Seaboard Station and Peace College. Rolling over to Glenwood South and the Warehouse District. The whole route takes about 10 mins. You likely won't wait very long at any of the stops - the City purchased three buses for the R-Line (two operate, while one is in reserve). The buses are also great at night for heading out to your favorite night spot, or dinner then a show. It runs until 11 p.m. during the week, and 2:15 a.m. on the weekends. Sundays are a shortened route, from 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
After riding the bus a couple of times, I am happy to say I'm looking for other occasions I can leave the car behind and get around downtown by bus. It was quiet, clean, and complete with happy people on board...do you think that's a coincidence or are people just that happy to have mass transit in downtown?
When I rode last, I ran into two groups of school kids from Greensboro. They were visiting the Capitol and rode around on the bus. The kids had no idea they were on the City's eco-friendliest bus (OF COURSE I had to tell them the bus didn't use any gasoline! They were pretty impressed!).
With a tiny bit of planning, I've mapped out my next route. My next effort will be a 9 - 5 day in downtown to see if I can go the whole day w/o my car. How about you? Have you taken a test ride? It's well worth the effort.
In case you are interested in learning more, here are some FAQs and the bus route.
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