Introduction of Bus Rapid Transit in Park City: A Sustainable Development Perspective

Park City is set to launch a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in 2028, modeled after Utah’s Ogden OGX system. This report examines the OGX system as a benchmark to understand the forthcoming Park City project, emphasizing its alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Overview of Ogden’s OGX Bus Rapid Transit System

System Description and Features

• Opened in August 2023 after two years of accelerated construction.
• Operates over 5.1 miles from Ogden Central through Harrison Boulevard to McKay Dee Hospital and back.
• Includes a 1.5-mile dedicated bus lane on Harrison Boulevard.
• Utilizes signal priority technology to reduce travel time, enabling a 30-minute end-to-end trip.
• Bus frequency is every 10 minutes on weekdays and less frequent on weekends.
• Service is free for the first three years, ending in 2026.

Relevance to Sustainable Development Goals

1. SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): The OGX system promotes sustainable urban transport by reducing congestion and improving accessibility.
2. SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): Incorporates advanced technologies such as signal priority to enhance efficiency.
3. SDG 13 (Climate Action): Encourages public transit use, contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Comparison with Park City’s Planned BRT on S.R. 224

Project Design and Service

• High Valley Transit plans a similar total distance with a longer dedicated lane segment from Olympic Parkway to Kearns Boulevard.
• Mixed-flow transit lanes will operate from Kearns Boulevard to Old Town with two travel lanes each direction plus a turn lane.
• Buses will run every 10 to 15 minutes from 6 a.m. to midnight daily, with free service.
• Design opts for shoulder lanes and stops, avoiding the need for buses to cross lanes for boarding, unlike OGX’s center lanes.

Alignment with SDGs

1. SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Improved transit access to healthcare facilities and community hubs.
2. SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Facilitates access to employment centers and educational institutions.
3. SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Free service enhances equitable access to transportation.

Operational Benefits and Community Impact

Advantages of BRT Systems

• Fast, frequent, and flexible transit service with the ability to make detours.
• Dedicated lanes and signal priority reduce travel time compared to private vehicles.
• Eliminates parking challenges and associated costs.
• Offers benefits comparable to light rail with reduced infrastructure investment.

Community Engagement and Design Inclusion

• OGX incorporated unique community artwork in bus shelters, enhancing local identity.
• High Valley Transit plans to establish community committees for monthly updates and feedback during construction.
• Efforts to mitigate business impacts through easements and potential compensation.

SDG Contributions

1. SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions): Transparent community engagement and participatory planning.
2. SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Efficient use of resources through targeted infrastructure development.

Financial and Construction Challenges

Funding Overview

• OGX cost approximately $120 million, funded 35% by partners and 65% by Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grants.
• Park City’s BRT estimated at $119 million, with $25 million federal grants, $30 million state funds, and $6 million from Park City.
• A funding gap of approximately $55 million remains as of late June.

Construction and Design Considerations

• Final design phase involves detailed, production-based cost estimates.
• Contingency funds required by FTA to cover unforeseen expenses, currently $14 million allocated for construction contingency.
• Widening of roads and right-of-way acquisitions necessary to accommodate dedicated lanes.
• Mitigation strategies include easements and partial property acquisitions rather than full property purchases.

SDG Implications

1. SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Collaboration between federal, state, and local entities to secure funding and manage project risks.
2. SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): Addressing infrastructure challenges with innovative planning and community cooperation.

Project Timeline and Future Outlook

• Current project design at 30% completion; 60% design target delayed to July to ensure readiness for construction start in August.
• Initial construction activities will focus on low-risk tasks such as site preparation and removal of raised medians.
• Projected to serve approximately 5,000 passengers daily upon completion.
• Expected to be the second rural BRT service of its kind in the United States.

Contribution to Sustainable Development

1. SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Enhances rural transit infrastructure, promoting sustainable mobility.
2. SDG 13 (Climate Action): Supports reduction of carbon emissions through increased public transit use.

Conclusion

The Park City Bus Rapid Transit project, inspired by Ogden’s OGX system, represents a significant advancement toward sustainable urban and rural transportation. By aligning with multiple Sustainable Development Goals, including sustainable cities, climate action, and inclusive community engagement, the project aims to deliver efficient, equitable, and environmentally responsible transit solutions. Continued collaboration, transparent communication, and strategic funding will be critical to its successful implementation.

For further information, visit the High Valley Transit website at hvtutah.gov.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The article discusses the development and implementation of bus rapid transit (BRT) systems, which are infrastructure projects aimed at improving transportation efficiency and innovation.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The focus on improving public transit in Park City and Ogden supports sustainable urban development, reducing traffic congestion, and enhancing accessibility.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • By promoting public transit with dedicated lanes and signal priority, the project aims to reduce reliance on private vehicles, thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The transit system connects popular hubs for workers and students, facilitating economic activity and access to employment.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The project involves partnerships between local transit authorities, federal and state governments, and community stakeholders.

2. Specific Targets Under Identified SDGs

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport.
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning, including promoting sustainable transport.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 9 Indicators
   • Indicator 9.1.1: Proportion of the rural population who live within 2 km of an all-season road (implied by infrastructure development).
   • Indicator 9.1.2: Passenger and freight volumes, by mode of transport (implied by bus rapid transit usage and frequency).
2. SDG 11 Indicators
   • Indicator 11.2.1: Proportion of population that has convenient access to public transport, by sex, age and persons with disabilities (implied by service frequency and coverage).
   • Indicator 11.3.2: Proportion of cities with a direct participation structure of civil society in urban planning and management (implied by community involvement in design and construction updates).
3. SDG 13 Indicators
   • Indicator 13.2.2: Total greenhouse gas emissions per year (implied by the shift from private vehicles to public transit reducing emissions).
4. SDG 8 Indicators
   • Indicator 8.3.1: Proportion of informal employment in non-agriculture employment (indirectly related through improved access to jobs).
5. SDG 17 Indicators
   • Indicator 17.17.1: Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private and civil society partnerships (implied by funding sources and partnerships).

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: parkrecord.com