Students present bus service study to Rexburg

A group made up of BYU-Idaho students would like to see a bus system for students in Rexburg. The city has tried to expand its public transportation in the past, but there have been several road blocks.

The city wanted to have a transportation system that went from Rexburg to Driggs, but the state turned down the grant. Now the city is left with few options and it is one of the reasons why the Jefferson Public Policy Society conducted a study to show the costs and benefits of having a bus system.

200 BYU-I students responded via email and the findings were presented to the city council.

“We estimate between 6,000 and 12,000 cars would be removed from Rexburg. Students said they would stop using their cars and use the bus service if there was a service,” said Professor Matthew Miles.

Miles is in charge of the group affiliated with the private university. He said the bus service would cost the city about $161,000 a year. Something the city council doesn’t want to pay right now.

“There really is a good potential for a bus service in Rexburg, unfortunately the city council didn’t see its potential as much as we did,” said Kristyn Marrott, Secretary of JPPS.

But City Clerk, Blair Kay, said there are reasons behind the decision and they are far greater than money.

“If it is not supported by the private sector or by the student body than it is just not economically feasible for the city,” Kay said.

He said private businesses didn’t make enough money because few people were riding their shuttles. Some students said it is because Rexburg is a small community.

“I would not ride the bus because things are pretty close on campus,” said Adam Kirchner.

“I wouldn’t because I have my car so I don’t really need to ride the bus,” said Colton Edwards.

Kay said the city will find money in its budget for TRPTA.

The Jefferson Public Policy Society will continue to conduct research for the city council.