Yet so far, the City is saying, "no, thanks."
The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) and Wasatch Front Regional Council (WFRC)
have recently completed a study of mass transit options for routes linking
central Ogden to Weber State University, the Dee Events Center, and McKay-Dee Hospital.
The study recommended that Ogden pursue a modern electric streetcar line, running
on rails that are sometimes in lanes shared with cars, but separated in congested
areas. The system would include approximately 6 TRAX-like stations, with
the streetcars running at 8-minute intervals.According to the state-of-the-art transportation model used by WFRC, this streetcar line would be sufficiently fast and convenient to attract 5000 riders per day. For many commuters, this transit alternative would be more attractive than driving. It would attract riders to the commuter rail line linking Ogden to Salt Lake City, bring more pedestrians into downtown Ogden, and lessen the need for parking both in central Ogden and at WSU. The economic benefits to Ogden, and especially to the downtown area, would be substantial.
Construction of the streetcar line would be expensive, but essentially all of this cost would be paid by the Federal Transit Authority and UTA. Fortunately, the predicted ridership is high enough to make this system very competitive, both regionally and nationally, with other transit proposals. There is every reason to hope that the project could move relatively quickly through the approval processes at the state and federal levels. UTA and WFRC are now ready to take the next step and undertake the more detailed analysis that must precede funding and construction--if Ogden City is interested.
Yet so far, the City is saying, "no, thanks."
Why would Ogden turn down such an offer? Because Mayor Godfrey and the Lift Ogden Committee are instead hoping to build an aerial gondola system along roughly the same route. The main purpose of the gondola would be not to serve local residents but rather to attract tourists to a second gondola that would climb up the mountain to a proposed resort in Malan's Basin.
The obstacles to building such a resort are many: It would require an access road on very steep terrain, as well as electricity, water, and a sewage system. The cost would be enormous, and it isn't clear why tourists would choose to visit it.
But even if such a resort is constructed, why use a 4-mile urban gondola, traveling at 13 miles per hour, to link the east bench to downtown? Resort promoters insist that the urban gondola would be unique. And they're right: it would be uniquely tedious to ride. According to the UTA/WFRC study, the gondola would be much less attractive to commuters than a streetcar. It would also be more expensive to operate. Because its cost/benefit ratio is much higher, it would not qualify for federal funding.
Please consider whether Ogden should invest in infrastructure to serve its citizens, or stake its future on speculative tourism gimmicks. Express your views to Mayor Godfrey at 393-7805 and the City Council at 629-8153.
Last modified 19 August 2005