Buslash in Salt Lake City

Kaitlyn Bancroft reports for the Salt Lake Tribune about a political controversy created by proposed bus routes through the Avenues in Salt Lake City.

The Utah Transit Authority (UTA), which routinely makes news on the Planetizen newsfeed for innovative approaches to service design and ridership, is planning on launching new bus service in the Avenues in August.

“The new plans will replace Route 6 (which includes South Temple, N Street and 6th Ave.) with Route 209: service to downtown with north/south connections,” reports Bancroft. “UTA also is introducing Route 1, which will connect downtown Salt Lake City and the University of Utah via South Temple Street.”

The planned routes have provoked political opposition that faults UTA for not allowing for enough public engagement while also making less-than-credible claims about how the new bus routes might reduce property values and attract people experiencing homelessness to the neighborhood.

“UTA officials have been invited to the Greater Avenues Community Council meeting on June 1 at 6:30 p.m. at the Corinne and Jack Sweet Library, where they will talk with residents about the upcoming changes. But the formal comment period is closed,” according to Bancroft. Community members intend to present a new bus service plan that includes fewer buses running for less of the day.