In the revised transportation plan, the city removed references to bus rapid transit and light rail projects in the city. The plan passed the council unanimously.

Also removed was some language pertaining to Orem City supporting double-tracking Frontrunner. Sam Kelly, the city engineer, explained during the meeting that FrontRunner is already double-tracked through Orem, so there wasn’t a need for Orem to express support.

While the modified plan doesn’t include references to bus rapid transit and light rail, Council member LaNae Millett noted that the plan still supports improvements to the city’s bus system.

“We are interested in coordinating with UTA (Utah Transit Authority) and providing an adequate bus, an improved bus system for our residents in Orem,” she said. “That’s part of this plan.”

At one point, council member Terry Peterson stated he does not support a BRT route through Orem, saying he believes it would harm business in commercial areas like State Street.

During the last council meeting, council members expressed concern about potential road widening projects that could take out homes and overpasses across Interstate 15, which it was worried could bring in more traffic from neighboring cities like Vineyard.

In that meeting, the council chose to strike overpass projects on 800 South and 1200 North and remove a road widening plan for 800 East. There was no discussion regarding bus rapid transit and light rail during the last meeting.

During Tuesday’s meeting, Peterson further expressed his disapproval of widening Orem’s roads.

“Widening roads is not widening roads,” Peterson said. “Widening roads is gutting neighborhoods.”

Brenn Bybee, the city manager, also mentioned during the meeting that the city has applied for a $5 million grant for active transportation, including some improvements along State Street. Active transportation projects would address issues faced by pedestrians and cyclists.

Improvements to active transportation in the city were brought up during the last meeting’s discussion. Several citizens made public comments asking the council to look at improving bike lanes and sidewalks to increase safety for pedestrians and cyclists and make the roads safer for families.

Part of the resolution in passing the plan was to continue ongoing discussions about updating the city’s bicycle and pedestrian master plan, Kelly said, adding that they have submitted requests for funding to the Mountainland Association of Governments.