Politics

Durham County Transit Sales Tax Referendum Sets 0.5 Percent Increase for Bus Route Additions

Residents would pay an extra half-cent on every dollar spent starting in 2027 if the measure passes, with proceeds directed to 12 new bus routes serving South Durham and East Durham neighborhoods.

By Durham Policy Desk · Published July 8, 2026

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This article was written by AI from the linked sources and was not reviewed by a journalist before publishing. The Daily Durham is part of The Daily Network and follows our reasonable editorial care.

Durham County Transit Sales Tax Referendum Sets 0.5 Percent Increase for Bus Route Additions — Photo by Tatters ✾ / flickr (by)

The Durham County Transit Sales Tax Referendum asks voters to approve a half-cent local sales tax increase to expand bus service across the county. Passage would raise the combined sales tax rate from 7.25 percent to 7.75 percent beginning January 2027 and generate dedicated revenue for GoDurham and GoTriangle operations.

Why the measure reaches the ballot in 2026

County commissioners placed the question on the November ballot after the 2025-2026 budget cycle showed a projected $28 million shortfall in transit capital funds through 2030. The legislation states that revenue must be spent only on fixed-route bus service, vehicle purchases and related infrastructure within Durham County boundaries.

Local residents who commute by bus would see changes first. The plan adds service on routes 10 and 12 along Fayetteville Street and adds evening trips on the 5 and 7 lines that currently end at 8 p.m. Households in the 27713 and 27707 zip codes would gain direct connections to the Durham Station transportation center without transfers.

Projected costs and service numbers

The county budget office estimates the tax would collect $19.4 million in its first full year. That figure equals roughly $48 per household annually at current spending levels, according to the fiscal note attached to the referendum ordinance. The same document projects that 2.1 million additional passenger trips would occur each year once all new routes operate.

Voters will decide the measure on November 3, 2026. If approved, the Durham County Board of Commissioners must adopt an implementation ordinance within 60 days and forward the tax rate change to the North Carolina Department of Revenue for collection. County staff have scheduled four public information sessions in August at libraries in downtown Durham, Southpoint and North Durham to explain the exact routes and fare impacts.

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