Assembly sends proposed smart-bus stop changes back to Public Safety Committee after strong public comment

The assembly sent Resolution 26-19R — a proposal to move smart-bus stops to the west side of Broadway and amend parking zones — back to the Public Safety Committee after lengthy public testimony and member questions.

Smart-bus operators and downtown business owners testified that some proposed changes would improve flow and safety while raising new ADA and loading concerns. A SmartBus representative said the current east-side stops at the mascot create trip hazards and that longer stop zones ("I'd really like to see it be a 100 feet long") would help buses maneuver.

Jamie Bricker, Skagway's tourism director, said staff and the visitor advisory board have vetted the proposal and noted resident-sentiment surveys and prior studies that identified severe congestion between 2nd and 3rd avenues. "What you have in front of you does a couple of things. It streamlines smart-bus traffic from the docks down State Street," Bricker said, describing the plan as a tested starting point that could be adjusted after a trial.

Other public commenters, including downtown merchants and residents, asked for preservation of some east-side stops, raised worries about moving all stops to one side and questioned impacts on Broadway businesses and people with mobility challenges. Assemblymember Henry moved to send the resolution back to the Public Safety Committee for additional review and a meeting next week; the motion passed on roll call (6 yeses). Several members stressed they favored a test run and clearer language about when any changes would take effect before permanent codification.

What happens next: The assembly referred 26-19R back to Public Safety for follow-up, including a more clearly defined test-run plan and timing for any sign changes or permanent amendments.