Beehive State News

PARK CITY—U.S. Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) today applauded an announcement by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) that Park City Transit will receive a $7,393,183 federal grant from the FTA’s Bus and Bus Facilities discretionary grant program. According to FTA’s release, “the Utah Department of Transportation will receive this funding on behalf of Park City Transit to improve more than 72 bus stops, including rider amenities. The project will provide a safer, more appealing interface with riders, particularly in areas with historically disadvantaged communities as well as season visitors.” New bus shelters and surrounding improvements will provide upgraded and fully ADA-compliant pickup sites throughout the City — featuring solar-powered route and scheduling information provided to riders in real time.

“Park City is a critically important economic driver for our state, hosting millions of visitors each year. Over the past decade, Park City has also been a leader in sustainable transit development — with more than half of its fleet transitioning to electric buses,” said Senator Romney. “This $7.4 million grant will fund the remainder of Park City’s bus stop redevelopment program, which will provide visitors with modernized transit services — which is especially critical as Utah contends to host another Winter Olympic Games in the very near future.”

“I appreciate that Park City will receive funding for their bus stop development program, which I urged the FTA Administrator to consider,” said Rep. John Curtis. “Park City is an economic driver for Utah, attracting millions of visitors annually and this grant will provide valuable support. I commend Park City for their efforts.”

“I am delighted to see this level of investment in our transit infrastructure as it is a critical community priority for myself and my fellow Council members,” said Park City Mayor Nann Worel. “Much appreciation and thanks go to the FTA and to Senator Romney and Rep. Curtis for their support for this important federal funding.”

Background:

Empirical research demonstrates that bus stop enhancement programs increase transit ridership and decrease “perceived” wait times. In response, a Bus Stop Accessibility Study was commissioned by Park City to score the condition of all its bus stops for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and overall effectiveness. Park City has already raised grant funding totaling almost $8 million for this effort and is seeking federal funding sources to complete work on 62 additional stops within the Park City transit system. 

Original source can be found here.