Downtown Raleigh's new transit station will bridge trains and buses, enhancing public transport integration.
The Raleigh Union Bus Station (RUS Bus), located at 525 West Hargett Street, adjacent to Raleigh Union Station, is set to open for passenger service on August 3, 2025, following a ribbon-cutting event on July 25, 2025 [1][3]. This strategic bus station is poised to become a vibrant hub for transportation connections and overall development in the region.
The RUS Bus station will serve as a regional bus station for GoTriangle commuter routes, connecting Raleigh with Durham, Chapel Hill, and Research Triangle Park. It will feature six off-street bus bays, two layover bays, waiting areas, restrooms, bike parking and lockers, aiming to ease crowding at Raleigh’s main GoRaleigh station at Moore Square and provide seamless connections between regional buses and trains [1][2][3][5].
The project, funded in part by a $20 million federal grant awarded in 2018, is seen as a critical infrastructure enhancement following the cancellation of a regional light rail plan [1][2]. The RUS Bus station, which cost $37.9 million, has been funded through a federal grant, state funds, and Wake County's transit tax.
The station's strategic goal is to improve regional transit connectivity by co-locating bus and rail services and expand capacity for future transit growth [1][2][3][5]. By doing so, it will enhance the transportation network for the greater Triangle area, offering a nicer, more convenient experience for passengers traveling to or from downtown Raleigh.
In addition, the planned apartment tower and parking deck, named Union West, will be located next to and above RUS Bus. This development is expected to make riding the bus a more attractive option for people who might otherwise drive. Two other express buses from Wake Forest and Zebulon will start using the station in November.
The roots of RUS Bus can be traced back to the Triangle's failed efforts to build a commuter rail system. GoTriangle bought the 1.76-acre property on West Street in 2005 with help of a federal grant, with the intention of building a commuter rail station. However, after the commuter rail failed to win federal support, GoTriangle held on to the property and eventually decided to build the bus station instead.
The Raleigh Union Station, where a dozen Amtrak trains stop each day, is located in downtown Raleigh. The RUS Bus station, with its six bays, room to park two additional buses, public restrooms, bike racks and lockers, and digital signs with real-time information about arrivals and departures, is set to play a significant role in improving the regional transportation system.
Sources:
[1] The Herald-Sun (Durham, N.C.) [2] WRAL News [3] News & Observer [5] Inside Look (The News & Observer)
- The RUS Bus station, positioned next to Raleigh Union Station, will not only serve as a hub for bus transportation connections but also contribute to regional development, as it is funded by a federal grant, state funds, and Wake County's transit tax, aiming to improve the overall finance and transportation industry of the Triangle area.
- With the integration of bus and rail services at the RUS Bus station, the transportation network for the greater Triangle area will experience expansion, offering passengers a more efficient and convenient experience, especially those traveling to or from downtown Raleigh, and potentially encouraging more people to opt for public transportation over driving.
