For many Utah residents, public transportation became cheaper this week.
On August 18, system changes went into effect at the Utah Transit Authority. The authority’s 20 percent discount on FarePay card transactions was replaced with a “fare cap” system. The fare cap ensures that riders pay no more than $5 per day or $20 per week for bus, TRAX, S-Line and UTA On Demand services.
“UTA is committed to continually improving its services,” the transit agency said in a press release, “and ensuring that public transit is an accessible, equitable and reliable option for all.”
The changes, the agency said, “reflect UTA’s ongoing efforts to innovate and adapt to the needs of passengers while maintaining service.”
For UTA’s premium services – such as FrontRunner and express buses – passengers pay no more than $10 per day or $40 per week.
Christopher Stout, co-founder of the Utah Transit Riders Union, said the changes would create a greater incentive for riders who still pay with cash to switch to a reloadable FarePay card.
“Especially if they use public transit regularly,” Stout said. “…It should have the intended consequences, but of course we’ve been of the view for some time that the system should simply be free.”
Entitlement to reduced fare
UTA will also offer reduced fares to more customers this year. The reduced fare generally applies to passengers aged 65 and over, children aged 6 to 18, people with disabilities and low-income users.
This year, “low-income” riders are defined as those earning 200 percent or less of the federal poverty level — that is, people earning no more than $30,120, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Previously, low-income people were only eligible for a reduced fare if they earned 150 percent or less of the federal poverty level — about $22,590.
Those eligible for a discount will pay no more than $2 per day or $8 per week for UTA’s standard services and no more than $4 per day or $16 per week for FrontRunner and Express buses.
New tariff at UVX
In addition to the fare cap, UTA has begun charging riders on the Utah Valley Express in Utah County after six years of free rides. This bus rapid transit system runs from Provo Central Station to Orem Central Station and costs $2.50 for each ride. Those eligible for reduced fares pay $1.25.
Holders of an Eco Pass or a school ticket will continue to have free access to UVX.
Set and adjusted routes
More frequent service on the 39, 218 and 201 routes will remain suspended due to labor shortages, according to the transit authority. The 39 route – which runs from West Valley Central Station to 3900 South and Wasatch Boulevard – is UTA’s “first priority” for additional service, the authority said.
“We will share our best understanding of when and how UTA can expand service in the updated five-year service plan,” the agency said. “The next draft of that plan will be available for public comment in summer 2024. Check rideuta.com/FYSP to stay updated.”
Ogden’s Route 606, which ran from Enable Industries to Monroe Boulevard, is being discontinued. The route served a “small group of riders” and its primary destination has been relocated, according to UTA.
Two routes have been adjusted, including the Ogden-Salt Lake Express route on Highway 89 and the Riverdale-Salt Lake Express route. These two bus routes have returned to regular southbound service on Beck Street to “better meet the needs of the community,” the agency said.
Passengers can visit the UTA website for more information on changes throughout the transit system.
