Rail on Main Street

As part of the settlement to build Legacy Highway the State agreed to study transit options in South Davis County.  A few years ago UTA completed a study that included running a light rail or streetcar line down Main Street in Bountiful and Centerville.  The study involved narrowing a universe of transit options down to a short list then to the "Locally Preferred Alternative."  The alternative that the study determined to be the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) was the low cost rail (streetcar or light rail vehicle).  As part of several open houses, UTA heard from the public regarding the LPA.  The overwhelming message coming from Centerville residents was, "No Rail on Main Street."  In March 2010, Centerville City issued a letter that said it was not endorsing streetcars on Main Street.

I don't believe streetcars or any other kind of rail is appropriate for Main Street in Centerville.  The potential advantages definitely do not outweigh the questions, problems and concerns.  For example, according the the UTA study the current bus line (Route 470) takes approximately 34 minutes to travel from Parrish Lane to Salt Lake City.  The streetcar option would take an estimated 31 minutes.  That's right a savings of 3 minutes.  A ride on the street car would certainly cost more than a ride on the bus, but you'd only save 3 minutes?  Which makes the assumption that ridership would more than double hard to believe.

It is highly unlikely that we'll see any rail on Main Street any time soon.  The City doesn't want it, residents don't want it, and we certainly don't need it.  I would like to see UTA expand bus service through South Davis County.  The recent trend seems to be cutting back on bus service significantly.  UTA will insist that the bus routes were cut because demand was down.  I contend that demand decreases because it no longer becomes convenient for people to take the bus, and they simply drive to their destination.  The result is pretty circular.

I will be vigilant to ensure streetcars, or any other form of rail, that are not acceptable to the residents of Centerville will not find their way down Main Street.