Utah university welcomes proposed streetcar

Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, has endorsed any potential streetcar that the city may advance, and has provided for the possibility in its 10-year campus master plan.

The streetcar-friendly approach runs counter to numerous other colleges and universities in the U.S. that have resisted or struggled with proposals for streetcars, or light rail transit, directly serving their campuses.

Among others, the University of Minnesota only recently reached a mitigation agreement for construction of the Central Corridor light rail transit line in St. Paul, after battling any plan to have LRT enter the campus, as proposed by the Metropolitan Council. The University of Maryland similarly has thwarted efforts for the state to advance the proposed Purple Line LRT through its campus in College Park, Md., despite vocal support from the student body itself.

But Weber State University President Ann Miller sees streetcars as a boon. “This is a really critical project for us," Miller said, in recommending that the city seek an affordable approach to implementing a streetcar.

Weber State University Vice President of Administrative Services Norm Tarbox Jr., notes the nearby University of Utah has benefited from the presence of Salt Lake City’s TRAX LRT service.

Ogden’s streetcar proposal has been put on hold, with the city council expected to revisit the proposed $156 million plan on Tuesday. City Council Chair Caitlin Gochnour seeks “express bus” as a short-term solution. Ogden Mayor Matthew Godfrey has voice outright opposition to a streetcar project, citing high costs.