A district judge has thrown out a lawsuit challenging local authority to approve an under-construction bus rapid transit project in Utah.
"A 4th District judge on Monday derailed a lawsuit seeking to allow Provo voters to halt a controversial $190 million bus rapid transit (BRT) project already under construction," reports Lee Davidson
The lawsuit was enabled by a provision in the Utah Constitution that allows residents to collect signatures "to force an election about overturning any legislative action by a city council," according to Davidson. Administrative acts, however, "are exempt from challenge via referendum."
In effect, "Judge Samuel McVey upheld Provo's contention that when its City Council last year approved a no-cost 50-year lease to allow the Utah Transit Authority to use some city streets for the project, that was an administrative act — not legislative."
As for the bus rapid transit project in question, the Provo-Orem MAX route will travel 10.5 miles, connecting Utah Valley University, University Mall, Brigham Young University, downtown Provo, and the Provo Centre mall. Buses will travel about half the route on dedicated lanes.
FULL STORY: Judge rejects move to stop controversial Provo transit project
Free Buses Are Filling Up in Utah
UTA's Bus Rapid Transit Line is yet to be completed but, by removing fares, the service has quintupled its ridership.
New Bus Only Lane Overcomes Opposition in San Francisco
Local business owners and the local elected official opposed the Geary transit-only lane project, but compromise and wide public support got the project across the finish line.
Utah Transit Officials Promote BRT
The state’s transit agency is building out new bus rapid transit lines, but has not reversed the sweeping cuts to local bus service made last year.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.
Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.
Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.
Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont