The Lane Transit District Board voted for an EmX extension plan on Monday, with a 5-1 vote. The extension plan will span from downtown to West Eugene, ending at 11th Avenue and Commerce Street.
The extension creates potential for students to have easier access to campus, despite living far away.
“It expands the service that I think students really value, especially if you live on or near campus, having a single route that runs across the entire region, linking you to many of the major shopping areas, restaurants, and hospitals,” said Lane Transit District spokesperson Andy Vobora.
According to Vobora, the broader that fast frequent service is, the easier it is for students to live off-campus, as cheaper housing can be found farther away.
Some negative points were brought up regarding the plan, like concerns involving construction and how it will impact particular businesses or residences along the route.
“It’s kind of the global concern around federally funded projects, and that they shouldn’t be spending anything until the deficit is taken care of,” said Vobora.
Project development will take about 12 to 18 months, including the final design and LTD helping businesses along the route during construction.
The Lane Transit District Board’s action on Monday was the final step in the Metropolitan Policy Committee’s local approval process, which goes back to the spring of 2011.
“As part of the MPC’s motion, they directed the city council on our board to reaffirm the decision once the environmental assessment was completed a month or so ago,” said Vobora.