Open house will help UTA move closer to streetcars
Feb 25, 2010 90 views 0 
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THE proposed streetcar line is marked in red.
A proposed streetcar system may carry commuters between Centerville and Bountiful, and on into Salt Lake City.
Utah Transit Authority has plans for such a system and is looking for feedback from residents as part of its draft Environmental Study Report.
An open house will be held Tuesday, March 2,from 4-7 p.m. at Centerville Junior High School, 625 S. Main, Centerville, to explain the project and gather input and suggestions. Public comments will be accepted through March 16, by contacting the website: southdavistransit@hwlochner.com.
Some sort of transit system has been a dream of residents and elected officials for a number of years. Systems considered included streetcars, bus rapid transit, an enhanced bus system and light rail. After studying the alternatives, the Utah Transit Authority has found streetcars to be the locally preferred alternative, according to UTA spokesperson Gerry Carpenter. “The response has been positive. We’ve had very, very good support,” Carpenter said.
He said there are always concerns among residents living near a proposed transportation system. Those who wish to share those concerns will have their comments recorded and incorporated into the record.
In the plan currently under consideration, the streetcar line will run from the intermodal hub in downtown Salt Lake City, running along Beck Street to U.S. 89 to Bountiful’s Main Street, ending at Main and Center Streets in Centerville, with a bus connection taking commuters into Farmington Station. There will be 10 new rail stations along the route, with two more planned in the future. Three park and ride lots will allow commuters to leave their cars.
Carpenter described the system as an intra-city system, moving at a slower pace than other transit systems. “We envision something like people getting on the streetcar in Centerville, riding it into Bountiful’s Main Street, where they could jump off and shop or get their hair cut,” Carpenter said.
He said there’s great economic development potential in it, not only attracting new businesses, but residents who want a more transit-oriented lifestyle.
Carpenter shared the example of Portland, Ore., which built a street car line several years ago. The line cost $57 million to build, but netted more than $5 billion in economic development. Property values also increased in the area.
He said people living in condominiums and apartments, such as are located at Pages Lane and Main Street, may find streetcars particularly inviting as a transit alternative.
Carpenter said that UTA estimates by 2030, 14,700 riders will use the line daily.
The ESR will look at factors which will be affected by the proposed build alternative, including land use, environmental issues, air quality, noise and vibration, cultural impacts, utilities and safety and security among them, as well as any mitigation requirements.
UTA will then take information gathered from the open house and incorporate it into the document before releasing the final ESR.
From there, “we'll be identifying and securing funding,” Carpenter said. Those sources haven’t been identified yet, but may include federal stimulus money, grants or some local funding.
Carpenter said estimated cost of the project is somewhere between $410-$480 million.
He said UTA officials see the project as an investment in the future of one of the fastest growing counties in the state.
mwilliams@davisclipper.com
I did not know I had been "dreaming" about a rail system on Centerville's Main Street. It wasn't just me, you all have been "dreaming" about the same thing. Don't forget the open house on Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteIt is GOVERNMENT WASTE! Catmeow Public Transit catmeowpublictransit.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteI’ve read the blogs and comments here and so far I haven’t seen any compelling argument to vote against this issue.
ReplyDeleteYou obviously do not use the bus when you state “Our buses are currently under utilized”. When I use the bus, it’s usually a challenge finding a seat and most of the time I have to stand up. Additionally, the bus is horrible and takes too long with all the stops.
Regarding the businesses on Main Street… what businesses? Pizza Perfect? The Post Office? Compared to other cities such as Kaysville and Bountiful, our Main Street is a dive. If Pizza Perfect can survive a fire and 8 months of closure, I think they’ll survive construction.
The truth is our public transportation as it stands is horrible. I spend an average of $350 a month on gasoline. Additionally our freeways have become increasingly dangerous. It’s unimaginable how many accidents I see daily. Fatalities by car accidents are on the top list of causes by death in this State and Country. If you want to talk about “under utilized” take a look at the carpool lane on your next commute. I recall when SLC was voting for the TRAX on 400 South which at the time nobody seemed to want. I think most will agree now the implementation of that line was the best decision.
If we’re going to have public transportation improvements that “really” work, then yes; for this longtime Centerville resident, it is a dream.
To all you people who are going to fight this, all you are doing is increase the price of the project. No community has been able to stop the rail expansions. Its like fighting Wal-mart your just not going to win. Ops I forgot you tried to fight Wal-Mart in Centerville also and lost that battle too. It looks like history will repeat it's self. And I repeat all you people who are going to fight this you are just going to make it more costly for the tax payers in the long run
ReplyDeleteDan- It doesn't mean we won't try!
ReplyDeletePersonally, I think our public transportatin sucks. My dad and I often joke about how if you miss the bus your stuck there for hours until the next one hopefully comes.
ReplyDeleteI don't see any real good argument people against the rail have, but I do see a lot of great potential in having the rail.
Besides with the rail offering better transportation, we'll have less cars on the road and therefore benefit our environment by putting less polution into the air.
If this was a Debate topic, for the rail would definately win. If your going to fight it at least have more going for your than just opinions.
My family and friends will be boycotting any business that I see with an anti rail sign on their property, I urge you to join me and let these businesses know that you won't be patronizing their establishments either. All this group is going to do is increase the price of the project.
ReplyDelete