Earth Day is a global celebration that has been recognized for over 50 years to promote increased sustainability in our day-to-day lives. In honor of this, our department is proud to highlight what we’ve accomplished to enhance efficient travel across and around the Bull City and how Way to Go Durham can help you suSTAIN your commute pattern.
Zero Emissions Buses:
In October of last year, we expanded our zero-emissions bus fleet. This type of bus uses a battery pack and electric motor instead of a fuel engine. This advanced technology helps the City reduce noise and pollution and improve air quality while decreasing Durham’s carbon footprint. Over the last year, since having eight electric buses on the road, our buses traveled over 36,000 miles in service, reduced 9,500 pounds of carbon dioxide, and saved 6,545 gallons of diesel fuel. Twelve percent of our bus fleet is now electric. Eighteen additional buses have been ordered and will begin service in 2026. By the end of fiscal year 2026, our fleet will be 41 percent zero emissions. We plan to have a 100 percent all-electric fleet by 2035.
Keeping Mobility, a Service for All Through Public Transit:
We are committed to keeping transit service accessible for all to ensure we can help get our residents to their jobs, health care, schools, and other necessities through our public transportation system. Since 2020, our GoDurham has remained fare-free. Over 20 bus routes service Durham and can be tracked using the myStop App and Google Maps. All buses have free Wi-Fi and bike racks to help with first and last-mile connections. Our transit services also offer ADA paratransit for qualifying individuals in the City of Durham and Durham County through the GoDurham ACCESS Program. This program helps connect our residents with mobility limitations or health ailments to get to places they need.
Bike/Ped Improvements and Vision Zero:
Bike lanes
Our department’s Sign and Signal Shop installed a series of high-visibility crosswalks, protected bike lanes, speed humps, and reduced speed limits across the City.
Our Vision Zero Coordinator, Lauren Grove, began her role in December. Vision Zero is a strategy to end fatalities and serious injuries in transportation by using tactics to increase safety and mobility. Tactics include reducing speed, restructuring roads for multi-modal use, and improving road safety education for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Lauren recently spoke with Spectrum News about her plans and goals to enhance road safety in Durham. In North Carolina, Lauren is 1 of 2 Vision Zero Coordinators.
In addition, staff has led public engagement meetings across Durham to promote the upcoming roadway resurfacing projects for five City-owned roads and six State-owned roads. The resurfacing projects provide a unique opportunity to improve everyone’s safety.
suSTAIN Your Commute Patten with Way to Go Durham:
Way to Go Durham is the City’s Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program. The program aims to help residents, employers, commuters, and visitors learn about sustainable transportation options and limit drive-alone trips. This Earth Day, Way to Go Durham promotes its theme, SuSTAIN your commute. Let us help you paint your commute plan using Share the Ride NC or by requesting a custom commute plan here.
Celebrating Earth Day does not start in April. It is a daily regime that begins with making smart choices to save time and money and promote efficiency in your daily life. Make strides to commit to preserving our Earth by making changes to your commute patterns.