High Valley Transit narrows names for new bus rapid transit system – KPCW

High Valley Transit System Development and Naming Initiative

Project Overview and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

High Valley Transit has initiated the development of a new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, a significant infrastructure project aimed at enhancing sustainable urban mobility. Construction commenced in the current year and is scheduled to resume in spring 2026. The system will feature a dedicated bus lane along state Route 224, designed to serve an estimated 5,000 commuters daily. This initiative directly supports several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by providing a fast, reliable, and environmentally conscious alternative to private vehicle use, thereby mitigating traffic congestion and the need for additional parking infrastructure.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The BRT project is a core component of creating a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban environment. By offering an accessible and efficient public transportation solution, it aims to improve the quality of life for all residents.
• SDG 13: Climate Action: By encouraging a shift from individual cars to public transit, the system will contribute to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, directly addressing the urgent need for climate action.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: This project represents an investment in resilient and sustainable infrastructure, utilizing innovative transit solutions to address modern urban challenges and foster long-term community well-being.

Public Engagement in Naming Process

In a demonstration of participatory urban planning, consistent with the principles of SDG 11, High Valley Transit engaged the community to name the new system. Over 300 suggestions were submitted by residents. A selection committee, comprising staff and community members, has narrowed the submissions to four finalists. The chosen names are intended to reflect the community’s character, recreational identity, and the operational benefits of the transit line.

The finalist names are:

1. Mountain Town Express
2. The Pulse
3. Double Black
4. The Bobsled

Timeline and Next Steps

The public voting period for the final name selection is open until November 21. The winning name, along with a new logo, is scheduled to be officially unveiled at the beginning of the upcoming year. The completion of this BRT system marks a critical step forward in the region’s commitment to sustainable development, infrastructure innovation, and climate-resilient urban growth.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• The article’s central theme is the development of a new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. This directly relates to making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable by improving public transportation infrastructure.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

• The project involves building new, resilient infrastructure (“dedicated bus lane on state Route 224”) to support community well-being and economic activity. This aligns with the goal of building sustainable infrastructure.

SDG 13: Climate Action

• By aiming to serve 5,000 people daily “without additional traffic,” the project implicitly addresses climate action. Enhancing public transit is a key strategy to reduce reliance on private vehicles, thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with transportation.

Specific Targets Identified

1. Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all.

   • The article details the creation of a new public BRT system with the stated goal to “provide fast and reliable transit.” This is a direct effort to expand public transport, which is the core of Target 11.2.

2. Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure.

   • The construction of a “dedicated bus lane” and a new transit system represents the development of quality and sustainable infrastructure designed to improve public services and connectivity, as outlined in Target 9.1.

Indicators Mentioned or Implied

1. Ridership Capacity

   • The article provides a specific, measurable indicator for the system’s performance and reach: the goal is to “provide fast and reliable transit for 5,000 people a day.” This figure can be used to measure progress towards providing accessible transport for the community (Target 11.2).

2. Mitigation of Congestion and Environmental Impact

   • An implied indicator is the project’s objective to operate “without additional traffic or parking structures.” This serves as a measure of the system’s success in being a sustainable alternative to private car use, contributing to both infrastructure resilience (Target 9.1) and climate action (related to SDG 13).

Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: kpcw.org