Deseret Morning News, Thursday, March 29, 2007
Rail, trolley, buses: Sugar House looks at options
UTA holding open house on the issue Monday evening
By Doug Smeath
Deseret Morning News
An abandoned rail line runs at about 2200 South through South Salt Lake and Sugar House, unused and an "eyesore," as Salt Lake City Councilman Van Turner calls it.
One day, it could be a new transportation route.
The Utah Transit Authority has begun studying transit alternatives for the area from about 200 West to Highland Drive, and the possibilities include a new light-rail line, a modified bus system or even historic trolley cars.
UTA representative G.J. LaBonty updated the City Council on its study Tuesday, and he is hoping for public input in the process.
An open house on the issue will be held Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Columbus Center, 2531 S. 400 East.
UTA owns the old Union Pacific rail line that runs from about 200 West, near the 2100 South TRAX station, to just west of Highland Drive behind the Granite block in Sugar House.
Consultants are considering a light-rail line, either along the rail corridor or somewhere else in the area, a street-car system, bus rapid transit or vintage trolleys, an idea promoted by former Sugar House resident Doug White.
"I just think it would be both a transportation fit and an attraction for the community," White said.
He has started a nonprofit group aimed at turning the idea into reality. He has been offered a trolley from a company in England, which could be rented for $1 a year, because the company believes it is a good promotional opportunity.
However, White wants to run that trolley, which has a modern design, while he can buy and revamp some more historic trolleys. He knows of the existence of three old trolleys that ran in Salt Lake City in the 1920s and '30s, but they need a lot of work before they could run again.
Whichever option UTA ultimately settles on, it will likely need a number of funding sources — including local, state, federal and donor money. Officials don't yet know how much the various ideas would cost.
LaBonty said the study is in its beginning stages, and it likely will be the end of the year before the alternatives are narrowed down to a preferred option. After that, environmental and other studies will be required. LaBonty estimated it could be a 15- to 20-year process before the new transit system is up and running.
E-mail: dsmeath@desnews.com
© 2007 Deseret News Publishing Company
Thursday, March 29, 2007
KCPW radio
www.KCPW.org
Sugarhouse to Get New Transit
Mar 27, 2007 by Julie Rose
Alternatives Include TRAX, Trolley, Bus
(KCPW News) The Utah Transit Authority is halfway through with a study considering various transit alternatives for the quirky Sugarhouse neighborhood. Officials agree the area merits major transit improvement, but haven't decided which option is best. Alternatives include a TRAX line running west to the 21st South Station, a historic trolley and additional bus routes.
Salt Lake City Mayor's advisor DJ Baxter says TRAX may not be the best alternative initially, unless UTA determines there will be significant ridership. With major redevelopment expected this year on the corner of 21st South and Highland Drive, Baxter says the key is to begin construction on new transit soon. He and a representative from UTA will report on the status of the alternatives study tonight at the Salt Lake City Council meeting at 7 p.m. at Nibley Park Elementary.
Sugarhouse to Get New Transit
Mar 27, 2007 by Julie Rose
Alternatives Include TRAX, Trolley, Bus
(KCPW News) The Utah Transit Authority is halfway through with a study considering various transit alternatives for the quirky Sugarhouse neighborhood. Officials agree the area merits major transit improvement, but haven't decided which option is best. Alternatives include a TRAX line running west to the 21st South Station, a historic trolley and additional bus routes.
Salt Lake City Mayor's advisor DJ Baxter says TRAX may not be the best alternative initially, unless UTA determines there will be significant ridership. With major redevelopment expected this year on the corner of 21st South and Highland Drive, Baxter says the key is to begin construction on new transit soon. He and a representative from UTA will report on the status of the alternatives study tonight at the Salt Lake City Council meeting at 7 p.m. at Nibley Park Elementary.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Sugar House Corridor Transit Study
Fehr and Peers has created a website for the "Sugar House Corridor Transit Study" it is found at
www.sugarhouse.webexone.com
On the lower left click "enter as guest"
Please fill out their surveys and feed back forms. Please also let them know what a great job they are doing.
They will be having their first open house meeting on April 2nd, from 5-8 pm at the Columbus Center in SSL, Room 106.
,2531 S 400 E,
Please invite everyone you know that lives in the SugarHouse Trolley District to the meeting. The more public input to the process will make things better. The Trolley District is generally bounded by 300 West, 1700 S., 1300 E., and I-80.
www.sugarhouse.webexone.com
On the lower left click "enter as guest"
Please fill out their surveys and feed back forms. Please also let them know what a great job they are doing.
They will be having their first open house meeting on April 2nd, from 5-8 pm at the Columbus Center in SSL, Room 106.
,2531 S 400 E,
Please invite everyone you know that lives in the SugarHouse Trolley District to the meeting. The more public input to the process will make things better. The Trolley District is generally bounded by 300 West, 1700 S., 1300 E., and I-80.
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