Dedicated lanes, modern stations planned for new Bus Rapid Transit line

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) will provide a combination of dedicated bus lanes (in the County portion of the project) and mixed-flow lanes (within City boundaries) that serve more than 5,000 people a day without adding traffic or parking structures. Photo: High Valley Transit.

PARK CITY, Utah — High Valley Transit is preparing for construction of its SR-224 Bus Rapid Transit system, which will move riders more quickly and efficiently from Kimball Junction to Old Town with faster, higher-frequency bus service. Chief Development Officer Gabriel Shields said the project is designed to change public perceptions of bus travel by offering a premium experience similar to light rail.

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) will provide a combination of dedicated bus lanes (in the County portion of the project) and mixed-flow lanes (within City boundaries) that serve more than 5,000 people a day without adding traffic or parking structures.

Our community relies on more than 10,000 employees a day who need an efficient and affordable way to commute to work, and BRT will help them get there. The system will provide free service seven days a week, with buses every 10 to 15 minutes, all on low-emission vehicles.

Changing perceptions of bus travel

Shields said BRT differs from traditional service by addressing common concerns about long waits, accessible boarding, traffic delays and exposure to the elements. “These buses have their own lanes, so they zip past traffic,” he said. “With frequent service, riders will not need to check schedules or rush to make a departure.”

Stations, designed with the help of three community workshops, will include covered weather protection, seating, lighting, enhanced landscaping, and real-time arrival information. The new platforms will feature level boarding, meaning the bus floor will align with the station platform so passengers can step directly on or off without climbing stairs, making boarding faster and easier for riders carrying skis or groceries, parents with strollers, travelers with luggage, and those using wheelchairs or other mobility devices.

Year-round use and scalability

While peak ridership is expected in the winter, the dedicated lanes and infrastructure will benefit multiple routes year-round. “Yes, it’s critical in the winter, but in the summertime, we can add more buses at peak times. It’s not a rigid system that we’re locked into,” Shields said.  In addition, a variety of other transit routes and bus services will operate within the new BRT lanes. These include High Valley Transit’s 109 Snowball Express and 101 Spiro, as well as Park City Transit and Park City School District buses.

Early construction and community collaboration

Summit County’s short construction season is driving the decision to begin early work in fall 2025, with full construction starting in Spring 2026. Initial work will include removing medians from White Pine Canyon Road to Bear Hollow, installing storm drain lines, and relocating utilities. Shields noted that widening the road also requires upgrades to stormwater systems, power and fiber utilities, as well as improvements to sidewalks and trails — it’s not just laying down asphalt.

High Valley Transit is collaborating closely with residents and businesses to ensure the project reflects the community’s character and minimizes disruption. The final design phase focuses on right-of-way bike connectivity and station architecture.

Naming the route

High Valley Transit is seeking community input to name the new BRT system. Shields said the agency will crowdsource names via social media, traditional media and in-person events in late August and early September. The creative team will narrow the submissions down to a manageable list and invite the community to vote for a final name from that list. Place your submissions here.

The HVT team suggests considering themes to inspire name ideas such as BRT benefits like speed or reliability; local geography and nature with potential names tied to notable peaks, trails or landmarks; ski and sports references with nods to skiing, snowboarding, hiking or mountain biking; and finally, community attributes and cultural heritage, drawing on Park City’s mining history, Olympic legacy or other defining community elements. Public voting will occur later this Fall.

Construction is expected to be complete in summer 2028, with operations beginning soon after. Community members can submit naming ideas through the State Route 224 BRT project page on High Valley Transit’s website.