So all we know currently is that it’s going to be branded as GO+ (“GO Plus”). Here’s the logo (which really needs to drop the shadow on the plus, it doesn’t fit the rest of the logo):
Other than that, we don’t know much. No word on bus model/manufacturer or actual livery. Latest renderings had this, but I don’t think it’s meant to be indicative:
I’ve seen a few folks express a similar sentiment of hoping for something similar to a tram, and I get why that is, but consider this: one key goal of this project is to boost transit ridership in Raleigh across the board. In my mind, the success of this project is not limited to ridership on the lines that are being implemented; there should be a ripple effect through the entire system.
That’s why planners opted to stick with a variant of the GO brand instead of creating a distinct brand like some cities do — they want it to be clear that it’s all the same system. In my mind, having buses that look like trams does a disservice to that mission. So I’m perfectly fine with seeing articulated Gilligs or New Flyers on these routes and letting the service speak for itself. If I’m stuck in traffic and a bus blows past me, that’s enough of a selling point to get me to consider riding.
(Edit: grammar and phrasing.)