People exit and board TRAX trains in Salt Lake City. (Laura Seitz, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — On Tuesday, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall announced plans to revitalize the city’s Transportation Master Plan. The project, called “Connect SLC,” will target all modes of transportation, including vehicular, public transit, pedestrian, and bicycle.
Mendenhall’s office said the rise in technologies such as electric scooters, ridesharing, and the potential for self-driving cars created a need for transportation updates.
The update will include other transportation plans, including the 2017’s Transit Master Plan and 2015’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
“Transportation options have changed significantly in the past 25 years and so has Salt Lake City,” said Mendenhall. “It’s time to view our roadways as assets for all our residents and visitors, not only those who drive automobiles.”
Noting the obstacles faced by many of the city’s westside residents when traveling, the Mayor’s office said the plan will center on equity. The equity concerns include high transportation costs, historic disinvestment, and geographic distribution of transportation infrastructure.
“The Transportation Master Plan is important to me because I believe safe, affordable, and accessible transportation should be available to everyone,” said Tessa Nicolaides, a member of the Transportation Master Plan Community Advisory Council.
“I have seen firsthand how much transportation plays into job and housing stability. Because transportation is what ensures that people can reach everyday destinations, such as jobs, schools, food, and healthcare, it needs to be accessible to everyone regardless of socioeconomic status.”
Opportunities for residents to give input on the project will be hosted by the city throughout the summer. The Salt Lake City Council plans to consider the project this fall.
To learn more about the draft plan and upcoming engagement events, visit SLC.gov/connectSLC.
Related: Salt Lake City to update its transportation master plan for the first time in almost 25 years