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Utah Openlands pitches Transit-to-Trails shuttle; asks Cottonwood Heights for park-and-ride and up to $10,000 contribution
Summary
Utah Openlands requested support and a park-and-ride location for a reservation-based shuttle pilot to Bonanza Flat/Bloods Lake, estimating a $75,000 program cost with the nonprofit covering up to 50% and seeking partner-city contributions (Cottonwood Heights asked to consider up to $10,000). Council praised the idea but raised budget and jurisdictional questions.
Utah Openlands presented the Transit-to-Trails pilot program and asked Cottonwood Heights to consider hosting a park-and-ride location and a contribution toward a reservation-based shuttle to Bonanza Flat and Bloods Lake. Wendy Fisher, executive director, and Josh Stasinos, community engagement director, described a Park City-originated pilot that uses reservation shuttles (two vans with bike capacity) during peak season to reduce roadside parking and improve safety.
Presenters said the total pilot cost is about $75,000; Utah Openlands expects to cover up to 50% through contributions and requested partner-city support for the remaining amount. The group asked Cottonwood Heights to consider a $10,000 contribution and to identify a central departure location in the city; they described pilot service Saturday–Sunday initially with 45–90 minute round-trip headways and reservations to limit load and parking demand.
Council members expressed broad support for reducing canyon traffic and improving access, but several members said the city’s budget is tight and cautioned that a contribution would require a budget amendment. Members asked for more data on the number of Cottonwood Heights residents who would use the service, suggested exploring other partner funding (county, Central Wasatch Commission, Holiday, Sandy), and discussed possible locations including existing park-and-ride facilities and the Canyon Centre parking garage. One council member emphasized the need to analyze potential service impacts on city policing and other operations if visitor counts increase.
Utah Openlands said they would continue fundraising, present to neighboring cities and the Central Wasatch Commission, and return with specifics. Council requested more information on local resident usage and potential funding partners before deciding whether to commit city funds for the current fiscal year.
