A study that could lead to a new streetcar line or perhaps a "bus rapid transit" (BRT) route between downtown Ogden and Weber State University and nearby McKay-Dee Hospital received funding Wednesday from the Utah Transit Authority board.
The study will look at two possible routes mainly along either 25th Street or 30th Street to connect the Ogden Intermodal Hub with Weber State and the hospital.
It also will examine two alternative transit technologies for that route, either a streetcar or BRT sort of a TRAX on rubber wheels, where buses have dedicated traffic lanes and the ability to change traffic signals in their favor. Like streetcars, bus rapid transit sells tickets from vending machines at stations for quicker loading.
UTA currently has one BRT route on 3500 South in West Valley City. It is actively planning BRT lines between Orem and Provo and from Taylorsville to Murray. Many more are penciled in on long-range plans. Also, UTA is scheduled to open its first streetcar line in Sugar House on Dec. 8.
Agreements say the study could cost up to $845,410. It will be funded by seven different parties:
UTA • $442,705
Weber County Council of Governments • $252,705
Weber State • $100,000
McKay-Dee Hospital • $20,000
Utah Department of Transportation • $50,000
Ogden City, Wasatch Front Regional Council • Would contribute in-kind resources for the study.