Deseret News | State leaders question fast bus route

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State leaders question fast bus route

Rich | 3:21 p.m. May 4, 2009

If each rider had to pay their full share of the cost of mass transit, they would find it totally unaffordable. Are the costs of mass transit really worth what we as a society must pay? Not just in terms of money but in lost parking space, lost highway lanes, slower traffic, etc. There must have been a reason we got rid of light rail years ago. I think the main reason we have brought it back is that it makes us feel good. We think we're helping the environment (not likely), helping poor people (that's true, but there are probably cheaper ways to do it), reducing traffic problems (highly unlikely), and emulating other big cities (yes, but do you really want the problems that come with attracting the penniless?).

Tammi | 3:52 p.m. May 4, 2009

Utah Transit Authority has good bus service in down town Salt Lake City, in the Avenues and at the University of Utah.

Utah Transit Authority needs to get Accessible Vans and Small Buses to go into neighborhoods to help encourage people to take the bus and take individual's to the main bus routes. UTA need to work on barrier free, benches and shelters. UTA needs to expand the bus system, increase the frequency of buses and lower fares.

This would help reduce the need and cost for paratransit. This would help reduce Traffic Grid
Lock. This would be Transportation for all. Also help out our ENVIRONMENT.

UTA is a good example of CORPORATE WELFARE and CORPORATE GREED.

Sam | 4:01 p.m. May 4, 2009

I am surprised the Legislator from Provo is just now learning about the route. Isn't this the same Rep who wants to run for Provo Mayor? I love how suddenly politicians become interested in the issues when they are running for something.

Comments continue below

John Dougall | 6:37 a.m. May 5, 2009

Interesting. I've been hearing about this BRT route for several years.

Interesting? | 7:55 a.m. May 5, 2009

Interesting indeed, John. But maybe it hasn't gone anywhere because we haven't had enough personal benefit. Doesn't Lewis Billings have a financial interest in some of the land where "development" is likely to happen with the BRT?

Maybe this is just another example of spending taxpayer money to benefit the dis-advantaged.

Now the math - adding 1 route for $130-150 million will benefit 12,000 riders (which is an increase of 7,000) riders.

Does the existing line cost that much to operate, why not save money and just add another 830 route? Or better yet - buy 7,000 bikes at $200 a piece and give them away.

Anonymous | 8:17 a.m. May 5, 2009

If each driver of a car had to pay the true cost of building roads, it would be too cost prohibitive. The taxes you pay on gasoline may cover the cost of maintanence.

True cost - | 11:23 a.m. May 5, 2009

Maybe everyone does pay the true cost of roads and highways already. Cost are not solely connected to those that drive on them - but also in the products that are available that arived via road. That would include groceries, consumer products, and even housing and construction materials. Taxes are paid on all of those also.

Wanting BRT | 1:58 p.m. May 5, 2009

I have been personally involved with this BRT line for several years now. I attend the meetings and follow how it is progressing. It will have a positive impact on Provo.

I know that the medical center was already considered early on in the process and that it wasn't as good as the route that was picked.

It seems to me that Rep. Clark, who now want to be mayor, is saying that just because he wasn't personally involved and didn't attend the meetings we should spend $100,000 to make him feel assured that we are making the right decision. We did that already. So spending $100,000 is not "peanuts" to redo efforts and come again at the same conclusion.

Not to mention that many of us are excited to have this BRT in Provo and want to see it built and not delayed by fruitless political antics.

Hospital largest employer | 5:33 a.m. May 9, 2009

Utah Valley Regional Medical Center and adjacent medical offices are the largest employers in Provo City. Just look at the cars around the hospital or try to find parking when visiting someone in the hospital. Including the largest employer in the bus route only makes sense and would also greatly relieve traffic, parking and pollution issues in Provo.

Elect new council members | 5:34 a.m. May 9, 2009

Provo city needs council members concerned with what's best for all of Provo and not just BYU and Provo town center mall. It's time for new leadership in Provo!

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