Greensboro is proud of its convenient and efficient transportation network. The city is located at the juncture of two major arteries, the east-west Interstate 40 and north-south Interstate 85, and major U.S. and state highways lead in all directions. In addition to cities served directly by I-40 and I-85, those highways provide connections to other major arteries throughout the region and the nation, such as Inter-states 77, 75, 81 and 95, leading virtually anywhere along the eastern seaboard.
The Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTIA) terminal, located only minutes from downtown, is served by seven major airlines and had more than 1.3 enplaned passengers in 2004. Travelers can also catch the train in Greensboro; Amtrak trains going north and south stop daily at the Greensboro station.
The smooth traffic flow in Greensboro, which often amazes newcomers, gives Greensboro the feel of a smaller city. It is an impression that has been carefully created through years of planning that began when the city developed its transportation plan in the 1950s. As development has taken place over the years since then, planners have kept pace to meet city needs. One key to Greensboro's smooth-flowing traffic is Wendover Avenue, an expressway that takes motorists from I-40 on the west through Greensboro to U.S. 29 on the east in a matter of minutes. Many of the city's other major thoroughfares are four-lane. The Greensboro Urban Loop is a prominent project in progress that literally links several highways on the perimeter of the city limits. One portion, the Southern Urban Loop, opened in February 2004 while the Western Urban Loop is slated for completion in 2007. Part of the Eastern Urban Loop was operational in May 2002; however, most of the work is expected to wrap up by 2010.
Good public transportation is provided by the 27 buses of Greensboro Transit Authority. Special bus service for elderly and handicapped persons is provided through Specialized Community Area Transportation (SCAT).