DURHAM, N.C. — The City of Durham’s recently approved budget comes as good news for those who use the bus to commute throughout the city. The $610 million budget will further support fare-free bus service for GoDurham riders through June 30, 2024.

Durham resident Michelle Gordon said this initiative could save people money.

“They’ve got to have better affordable housing because it’s getting to the point where people that live in the city and work in the city, they are going to have a longer commute trying to get to the city because they can’t afford to live in the city,” Gordon said.

Gordon rides the bus frequently. She said riding on the GoDurham bus is easier and she doesn’t have to worry about parking. The fact that it’s free right now is a plus too.

Funding in the budget will also go to a transportation planner to help with bus route planning, schedule creation, program development and equitable community engagement coordination.

“I think if they should spend money giving, improving some of the routes, they’ve had to cut some of the routes and it’s mainly because they have a shortage of drivers and also in that budget,” Gordon said. “I think because of the drivers, the pay needs to increase as well.”

Gordon said after 18 years of riding the bus here, the Durham bus system has made positive changes. So, she’s looking forward to more improvements in the future.

The budget also allots money to help implement a program that’s designed to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries. In addition, money will go toward the Way to Go Durham Program, which works to reduce single-occupancy car trips.

The new budget does not increase property taxes.