Construction is beginning for the Utah Transit Authority’s (UTA) new Ogden/Weber State University Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).
The 5.3 mile fixed-guide way will run from the Ogden FrontRunner Station through downtown Ogden down 25th Street to Harrison Blvd., through the WSU campus and to McKay-Dee Hospital.
BRT combines the capacity and speed of light rail with the lower-cost construction of an integrated bus system. Like rail, it has a fixed route, more robust stations and regular, more frequent schedules.
Once complete, Ogden BRT (formerly route 603) will provide riders a clean-air ride in an electric bus aided by a section dedicated bus lanes. Buses will stay on schedule with the help of signal priority at traffic lights thanks to the Utah Department of Transportation. Buses will arrive at stations every 10-15 minutes on weekdays and 15-30 minutes on weekends. The project will benefit the community by reducing vehicle trips, supporting the economy and providing transportation choices.
The Ogden BRT line is planning to be operational by late 2023. To accelerate the schedule, multiple segments of the project will be under construction simultaneously. Work on Washington and Harrison Boulevards will be phased to keep traffic moving on these busy state roads. Major construction on the WSU campus will be scheduled during the summer break to minimize the disruption to students and classes and BRT station construction will also be phased to minimize disruption to the public.
UTA also received a three-year federal grant to subsidize the cost to ride the new BRT line. This means that all riders will be able to ride for free for three years. After the grant expires, Weber State University students will be able to continue to ride for free with their EDpass.
