Residents press Rexburg leaders to study public transportation amid rapid growth

A resident speaking for a Project Citizen group told the City Council on Jan. 7 that Rexburg’s substantial growth over the past decade is creating housing pressure, traffic congestion and strains on city infrastructure, and urged officials to pursue public transportation options.

The resident, who gave an address of 706 Lodgepole Street, said Rexburg’s population growth between 2010 and 2020 approached 50 percent and said housing costs and traffic are rising. “Public transportation could reduce congestion, make road use more efficient, lessen parking pressure and provide diverse housing options,” the resident said.

Public Works Director Keith Davidson and Economic Development Director Scott Johnson described tools the city uses to manage growth, including impact and capacity fees that developers and new businesses pay to expand water, sewer, police, fire and street capacity. Davidson said the city has assessed smaller “micro-transit” options — mini-buses that can be summoned by phone — because full-scale bus systems are costly to operate.

Mayor (unnamed) said a previous survey of BYU–Idaho students found about 46% would consider using public transportation if it were available, and cautioned the council to weigh bus-stop locations, shelters and street impacts in any plan. Council members noted weather and community attitudes toward transit as obstacles; Council member Riggins observed that changing students’ travel habits is part of the challenge.

Staff encouraged the resident to follow up with Public Works and Economic Development for more details on prior surveys and planning work. The city said it is considering alternatives that would avoid large capital and operating costs while still reducing vehicle trips.