Right now, the county s only public transportation, KART, serves areas within Ketchum and Sun Valley only. It is Millar s informed opinion that counties like Blaine can never build themselves out of congestion as long as they continue to focus on moving cars rather than moving people. That might sound like a tall order, but it s what Aspen did in 1994. Some things that can happen within two years include public education and promotional campaigns to raise public awareness of transportation issues. Blaine County planners should also coordinate with the ITD to develop peak-hour high occupancy vehicle lanes on Highway 75 near East Fork Road and Elkhorn Road.
Buses typically use the lanes, too.
HOV lanes between Hailey and Ketchum could save carpool vehicles 10 to 15 minutes, Millar said. A survey that Wood River Middle School and Wood River High School students conducted of their peers showed the idea to be popular. Mid-term goals assume people in Blaine County want more public transportation and that ITD supports them. Light rail, Millar said, may be feasible in about 20 years, which is about the length of time needed to plan and build one. Long-term goals five years from now or more mostly include geographically expanding systems already in place.