Joining other Triangle universities that help faculty, staff and students pay for transit service, Duke University says it will offer reduced-price bus passes at discounts of more than 60 percent.
A 30-day pass for Durham Area Transit Authority buses, for example, which normally sells for $36, will cost $12 for Duke community members. A 30-day Triangle Transit / Capital Area Transit regional pass priced at $64 will be available for $24. Other options also are offered.
The sharply reduced rates are offered for Duke faculty and staff members who renew the passes regularly and pay for them by payroll deduction, and for students through their accounts with the university bursar. Those who pay by cash or check will be charged slightly higher prices.
Details are online at http://www.parking.duke.edu/buspass
Other Triangle universities previously have made moves to subsidize transit service.
Students, faculty and staff at N.C. State University ride Triangle Transit and CAT buses for free, and Meredith College community members also get a free ride on CAT.
Chapel Hill Transit’s fare-free service relies heavily on subsidies from UNC-Chapel Hill, and from $66 in yearly fees paid by each student.
Duke also has a carpool program that includes free campus parking with carpools of four riders or more. Details are at http://www.parking.duke.edu/ or by phone at 684-7275.
Bruce Siceloff reports on traffic and transportation. A News & Observer reporter and editor since 1976, he took over the 
