OVERVIEW
Our diverse, 12-county region ranks among the fastest-growing U.S. metro areas. Census estimates show the region’s population will grow from 2.6 to 4.1 million by 2045, an increase of over 50%. This rapid growth calls for local partners to develop and promote transportation strategies that move our people and region forward, focusing on options that encourage and support alternatives to personal vehicles.
CONNECT Beyond was developed through public listening sessions, stakeholder input, review of past plans and data to guide mobility improvements where they’re needed most. This bold initiative aims to transform how people move, connect communities and provide opportunities across our region.
CONNECT Beyond’s vision is to create a region where communities are well connected by a total mobility network of multiple reliable and accessible alternative options that encourage seamless travel.
This vision guides long-term transportation planning and enables collaboration between regional partners, including local governments, transit agencies and regional planning organizations. Regionally coordinated transportation options will create a total mobility network, helping improve options and enhance mobility for everyone in our region.
Mobility options help everyone get to where they want and need to go.
Improved transportation infrastructure attracts and retains leading companies by expanding mobility options, helping people access jobs and businesses connect with talent, driving economic growth
People with various mobility options are more likely to choose alternatives to driving, such as public transit, walking or biking
According to recent studies, traffic jams cost people on average over $1,200 and 57 hours annually, and reducing traffic gives them more time and money to focus on what matters most
Investing in transportation expands mobility choices, saves commuters an estimated 22 gallons of fuel annually by reducing fuel waste and supports a healthier planet
A total mobility network makes it easier to travel throughout the area, connecting people to jobs, education, housing, dining, shopping, activities, entertainment and more
As the fifth most sprawling metro area in the U.S, our region must encourage smart development patterns to support long-term growth
As a lead sponsor and implementer of the CONNECT Beyond Regional Mobility Plan, Centralina Regional Council champions regional collaboration by bringing together partners across jurisdictions, offering technical support and empowering local governments to take action. Together, we can shape how our region moves and grows in the future.
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Our team is here to answer any questions you have about mobility in the region. Please submit the form below, and one of our teammates will get back to you shortly.
