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Board discusses adding street lights at dark bus stops and state proposals that could shrink the two‑mile walking zone
Summary
Board members reviewed a list of 18 bus stops that currently lack street lights and discussed coordination with county public works to pay monthly service fees. Members also discussed proposed state language that could expand 'hazardous walking conditions' and effectively reduce the district's two‑mile walking radius for busing.
Board members reported 18 bus stops that are currently unlit and asked staff to send a finalized list to the county for possible installation. A district official told the board the county’s special assessment coordinator will review the request and the county commissioners would decide whether to accept the cost, which staff said would run between $8 and $12 per light per month.
Board members discussed logistics: if the district requests lights for stops that are later rerouted, the board asked staff to clarify whether the district would remain financially obligated to pay the monthly service fee. Staff advised the board to finalize stop locations before making any funding commitments and said a board‑approved letter would be required for the county review.
Transportation staff shared a chart showing 42 stops on major roads (Broad Street, Commercial Way, Cortez Boulevard, County Line Road and Mariner Powell). Of those, staff said they were able to review 15 for potential relocation off major roads to safer pull‑out locations.
Board members also discussed proposed state legislative language regarding "hazardous walking conditions" that, if adopted, could narrow or eliminate the two‑mile walking zone by broadening the definition of hazardous conditions (for example, darkness, absence of continuous sidewalks or high speed limits along parallel roads). Board members said such a change would increase busing needs and that funding at the state level would be necessary to implement expanded routes.
Ending
The board directed staff to finalize the bus‑stop list, seek county review for lights and to keep the board informed about proposed state changes to hazardous walking definitions and any potential funding implications.
