Transit Company Hopeful for Boise Downtown Hub

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Public transportation officials in Boise are clinging to hopes of convincing state officials that a prominent downtown parking lot remains a good spot for a new transit hub.

That's despite opposition from Idaho lawmakers who fear Valley Regional Transit's proposal for a bus hub near the state Capitol would be a magnet for homeless people. The Idaho Statesman reports that Valley Regional Transit director Kelli Fairless hopes state officials will change their minds about the proposed $12 million facility.

The state Department of Lands rejected the project this month. That's after Republican Reps. Brent Crane and John Vander Woude of Canyon County told Mayor Dave Bieter they opposed the plan. A private developer says it could spearhead of a project of its own, if the state doesn't cooperate.