We were intrigued by the results of a recent transit survey conducted by the towns of Wendell and Zebulon, which show a healthy interest in local bus service. The region has been well served for a few years now by an express service that ferries riders between Raleigh and this area.

But surveys show local residents are interested in an expanded service - one that moves people between points in our area and runs with greater frequency during the day.

Knightdale leaders have long wanted such a service for their residents and, while it hasn't been a big topic of conversation, we suspect local leaders in Wendell and Zebulon would be equally pleased to offer such a service to their constituents.

Of course, money is the big drawback. Triangle Transit Authority has its eyes on bigger fish, most notably a long-range plan that centers on an expanded rail system. A more expansive bus system is also part of that plan, but the TTA is focused on the larger population centers with an odd bone thrown in several years down the road during /the out years for outlying towns like Wendell, Knightdale and Zebulon.

And, in their defense, TTA should pay the lion's share of its attention to projects that benefit the greatest number of people.

That leaves the three eastern Wake County towns to fend somewhat for themselves.

It also hearkens back to a theme visited often in this space: regionalism.

Buying, maintaining and operating a bus is an expensive proposition. The towns already contribute money and other resources toward the express bus service.

If elected leaders are interested in making something happen for their constituents, they should consider their options as they begin planning for the new budget year. If the three towns work together on a project like this it could not only make the project more economically feasible, but it could provide a boost to area businesses that survey respondents say they would like to frequent.

That's what we call a good government service.