At the public hearing for the Big Cottonwood Canyon Winter Transit EA, public commenters raised a mix of operational, safety and equity concerns about UDOT’s proposed bus lanes, mobility hub and tolling approach.

Thomas Hemingway, a Brighton Loop resident, said widening the loop would bring the road much closer to his home and increase problematic snow accumulation. “The renderings show that it would literally put the road within 6 to 10 feet of my home,” he said, and added that snow pushed against his house already causes seasonal problems for his family. He urged tolling to begin at the canyon base and recommended dedicated carpool areas at the mobility hub.

Other residents echoed local‑access worries. Brooke Hemingway urged stronger enforcement and behavior‑focused measures to reduce single‑occupancy vehicle trips, estimating that “70% of those people are single car drivers” during congested periods and arguing that better enforcement or reserved access is needed to change behavior. Wendy, a nearby resident, asked whether local residents could be allowed to share bus‑lane access to get to neighborhood homes during heavy congestion.

Some commenters emphasized fiscal fairness. Bob Paxton said he opposed tolls and that the project’s $144 million price tag risks an unfair tax burden on people who do not use the resorts. Roger warned that concentrating transfers at one gravel‑pit mobility hub could create a “gravel pit congestion” problem and advocated for multiple, dispersed hubs and synchronized schedules.

Several attendees supported the plan’s transit orientation. Andrew (first name) said the canyon’s current situation is “completely untenable” and argued that making buses efficient and pleasant is the path to getting people out of single‑occupancy vehicles. Chad thanked the project team for accessibility and transparent outreach and said improvements that ensure emergency and resident access are important.

UDOT presenters repeatedly acknowledged local concerns and said operational plans will address many issues raised by commenters: bus pullouts and raised platforms are intended to keep buses out of traffic, bus‑activated signals will prevent cars from gaming bus‑only signals, and operational rules can limit use of mid‑canyon parking to avoid tolls. The Forest Service representative noted that decisions on special use permits and any required forest plan amendment are separate administrative steps that require comments by the Forest Service deadline.

The public comment record remains open: UDOT extended its comment period to January 19; comments related to Forest Service decisions must be submitted by January 9.