Park City Council expresses interest in innovative transit ideas, micro, increased frequency

The Park City Council held a nearly three hour work session about transportation on Thursday. Photo: Courtesy of Park City Municipal Corporation

PARK CITY, Utah — At their meeting on Thursday, members of the Park City Council expressed a passionate interest in disruptive transportation ideas proposed by city staff, such as a fully-walkable Main Street, Gordo as a park and ride, an SR-248 jurisdiction transfer (it’s currently operated by UDOT), required parking reservations, and airport transportation to PC.

The ideas that garnered the least amount of support were drone deliveries (#14) and the Tesla tunnel (#12).

Kim Fjeldsted, Park City’s transit manager, told the council that on some days, bus ridership is beating pre-pandemic 2019 numbers.

There was a push for more frequent bus service, specifically for residents. Councilor Jeremy Rubell said he’d like to see every-30 minute routes move to every 20 minutes.

Rubell, who has brought an element of frugality to the council, was told by councilor Max Doiley to “get ready to write the check” to support stronger transit.

“I’m just saying, on a couple of these real low-hanging-fruit things when it’s $60,000 to do something,” Doilney said.

“This sticker price is gonna blow your mind comparatively. So let’s just get ready to pay to provide this service and I think provide for a better quality of life for all of us in Park City… I’m psyched to hear you say more frequency.”

The council also discussed the possibility of a micro-transit pilot in Park Meadows and/or Park City Heights. A pilot partnership with High Valley Transit, Summit County’s transportation arm that is currently operating a micro service, would cost $400,000 for six months. Initially, the figure was $250,000. The topic will be discussed at the April 28 council meeting.