Fourteenth International Conference on The Constructed Environment

Abstract

This study-in progress explores the impacts of a newly introduced bus rapid transit (BRT) line in Ogden, Utah. Specifically, the study explores the benefits of the Ogden Express Bus Rapid Transit (OGX) line on the local University, Weber State University (WSU). WSU is an open-enrollment, emerging Hispanic-serving institution with an enrollment of 29,914. A majority of Weber State students are nontraditional, and less than 4% live on-campus. As such, the partnership between the WSU and the Utah Transit Authority provides an interesting case study to explore the ways in which public transportation can increase accessibility to a campus that serves the local population, with 77% of students originating in the three counties adjacent to campus. In August 2023, the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) began service of a BRT line connecting central locations in the city of Ogden as well as a local medical center to Weber State University. The line will be cost-free to riders for the first three years of service, after which it will continue to be free to University students with a valid student transit pass. This research in progress includes interviews with University administration, faculty, staff, and students in order to explore the existing and potential impacts of this new BRT line on a commuter University serving a unique population. Additionally, as a majority of students have historically commuted to campus alone in a private vehicle, the sustainability and environmental impacts of the OGX will be explored.