Utah Transit Authority

Not to be confused with Utah Department of Transportation.

Utah Transit Authority

Bus and TRAX train at the 2700 West Sugar Factory Road station
Founded	March 3, 1970
Headquarters	669 West 200 South Salt Lake City, Utah
Locale	Wasatch Front, Utah, U.S.
Service area	Box Elder, Davis, Salt Lake, Tooele, Utah, and Weber counties
Service type	Transit bus, light rail, commuter rail, streetcar, bus rapid transit
Routes	89 active bus routes as of August 2021 3 light rail lines (TRAX) 1 commuter rail line (FrontRunner) 2 bus rapid transit lines (UVX & OGX) 1 streetcar (S-Line)
Hubs	Central Pointe Murray Central North Temple/North Temple Bridge/Guadalupe Ogden Central station Orem Central Provo Central Salt Lake Central West Valley Central
Stations	50 (light rail) 15 (commuter rail) 18 (bus rapid transit) 7 (streetcar [stops])
Fleet	More than 700 buses 400 vanpools 114 light rail vehicles 53 commuter rail cars 18 locomotives
Daily ridership	134,600 (weekdays, Q3 2024)
Annual ridership	35,058,000 (2023)
Chief executive	Jay Fox
Website	rideuta.com

The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) is a special service district responsible for providing public transportation throughout the Wasatch Front of Utah, in the United States, which includes the metropolitan areas of Ogden, Park City, Provo, Salt Lake City and Tooele. It operates fixed route buses, flex route buses, express buses, ski buses, three light rail lines in Salt Lake County (TRAX), a streetcar line in Salt Lake City (the S-Line), and a commuter rail train (FrontRunner) from Ogden through Salt Lake City to Provo. UTA is headquartered in Salt Lake City with operations and garages in locations throughout the Wasatch Front, including Ogden, Midvale and Orem. Light rail vehicles are stored and maintained at yards at locations in South Salt Lake and Midvale. UTA's commuter rail equipment is stored and serviced at a facility in Salt Lake City. In 2023, the system had a ridership of 35,058,000, or about 134,600 per weekday as of the third quarter of 2024.

History

The Utah Transit Authority traces its roots to 1953 when several bus companies united to form the organization. Ironically, among the constitutive companies of the UTA was National City Lines, famous for its alleged cannibalization of American streetcar lines on behalf of General Motors. NSL had bought out and promptly decommissioned the electric trolleys operated by the Utah Light and Traction Company in Salt Lake City neighborhoods like the Avenues in the 1940s.

Throughout the 1950s buses became more and more unpopular, with low gas prices and subsidized construction of highways like Interstate 15. By 1960, bus ridership was only about one third the level of war-time Salt Lake, and the average age of riders was 14.

In 1969, the Utah State Legislature passed the Utah Public Transit District Act, which allowed individual communities to address transportation needs by forming local transit districts. UTA was subsequently founded on March 3, 1970, when the cities of Sandy, Salt Lake City, and Murray voted to form a transit district. Service was extended to Weber and Davis counties in 1973 and to Utah County in 1985. Today, the UTA's service area is over 1,400 square miles (3,600 km²) and covers seven counties: Box Elder, Davis, Salt Lake, Summit, Tooele, Utah, and Weber.

UTA saw rapid expansion through the mid-1970s and 1980s. It strove to streamline the bus system, connecting the east and west sides of the Salt Lake Valley with east–west routes along 2100 South, 3300 South/3500 South, and 4500 South/4700 South, in 1975. Four bus routes to Granger, Hunter (which today comprise West Valley City), Kearns, Magna, and Tooele were also created the same year. Sunday service on 25 routes began in 1975, only to be removed in 1988. (Sunday service resumed in 2001.) In 1976, the UTA began offering ski bus service to Alta, Brighton, Snowbird, and Solitude ski resorts in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons. Today, the UTA offers seasonal buses to those four resorts as well as Snowbasin Resort and Powder Mountain in Weber County and Sundance Resort in Utah County.

Since the turn of the century, the entire service area of UTA has seen bus route redesigns, beginning with Utah County in 2000. Weber and Davis Counties saw an overhaul of their bus routing in 2002. The largest and most comprehensive change in routing occurred in August 2007 in Salt Lake County, with the goal of increasing ridership by twelve percent. Prior to 2007, night service had different numbering and routing than regular daytime service. After the redesign, nighttime routes were to retain the same routing and numbering as their daytime counterparts. Routes were consolidated as well, with 69 routes reduced to 60. Fifteen-minute service during weekday daytime hours was extended from two to 11 routes, and all other routes in the system had 30-minute service during weekday peak hours at the very least. "Fast buses," which connected suburbs to the city and charged the same fare as local buses (as opposed to express buses, which required a higher fare), were also introduced and expanded. The redesign proposal was met with criticism, with low-income advocacy groups claiming that the redesign focused too heavily on commuters rather than the disadvantaged. The route redesign achieved its intended goal—from 2007 to 2011, bus ridership in the entire system increased from 77,500 to 88,700, an increase of 18 percent.

Beginning in 2010, a decline in funding that UTA was receiving from sales tax revenues resulted in service reductions. Fast bus trips were substantially reduced, with many fast bus routes being cut altogether. Saturday and night service saw cuts as well. The opening of two new TRAX extensions exacerbated bus route service cuts, especially in the western side of the valley; routes that previously traveled from the western suburbs to downtown would end at Green Line stations, with riders expected to complete the rest of their journeys via the Green Line. For the first time in 2010, there was no service on Memorial and Labor days. Service on those holidays was later restored, and as of 2020 UTA provides bus and rail service on most holidays with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. As UTA's rail expansion projects draw to a close and revenues increase, the agency has indicated that it will slowly begin restoring service in the near future.

Amidst the service cuts and rail expansions, UTA struck a deal with Park City and Summit County to begin operating an express bus between Salt Lake City and Park City in October 2011. This express service was called PC-SLC Connect until High Valley Transit took over the route with its 107 service.

Bus service

Ski Buses at Snowbird Ski Area.

UTA currently offers over 120 bus routes within its operational area. Most of these routes provide regular transportation throughout the day, while many are primarily commuter routes. Some are special services, such as ski routes that only operate seasonally. Current ski routes include route 953 (Alta/Snowbird/Midvale), route 972 (Brighton/Solitude/Midvale), route 994 (Alta/Snowbird/Sandy), Route 880 (Sundance/Provo), route 674 (Powder Mountain/Ogden), route 675 (Snowbasin/Ogden) and route 677 (Snowbasin/Layton). Occasionally, will also offer service for special events or extend service on certain days of the year such as New Year's Eve. UTA regularly modifies or changes its bus routes, but whenever reasonably possible (other than temporary detours) limits the adjustments to Change Days. The majority of bus routes stay within the Ogden to Provo corridor, with limited service south to Santaquin, in Utah County, and north to Brigham City, in Box Elder County. Service to Santaquin is limited to one route, the 805, which is an Express bus to Utah Valley University. In Brigham City, Rt. 630 connects Downtown Brigham City with the Ogden Transit Center. Rt. F638, (F stands for Flex route) runs around Brigham City approximately every hour from 8am-4pm every weekday, no weekend service.

Bus rapid transit

Utah Valley Express bus, showing the left side doors.

Main article: Utah Transit Authority bus rapid transit

The Utah Valley Express line operates between Provo Central station and Orem Central station via Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University, utilizing a dedicated busway across most of the route located in the center median of University Parkway, University Avenue, and East 700 North. The line opened in August 2018 and uses 60-foot articulated buses with doors on both sides of the bus to load passengers from busway stations located in the center median.

The Ogden Express line is a line between Ogden Central station and McKay-Dee Hospital, utilizing a dedicated busway that cuts through the campus of Weber State University and in the center median of Harrison Boulevard. On August 29, 2022, a short section of the line, entirely on the Weber State University busway opened. The rest of the line opened on August 20, 2023. The line uses 40-foot battery-electric buses.

UTA previously operated the 3500 South MAX line between Magna and the Millcreek TRAX station via West Valley City. The line was suspended in 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and is now permanently discontinued.

Free trolley service

UTA Trolley on route 601 in Ogden.

UTA has three bus routes that run trolley-replica buses, the 601, 628, and 667, which serve Ogden, Midtown (Clearfield/Layton) and Farmington (Lagoon amusement park), respectively. Service is free on these routes. All three routes run 30-minute service on weekdays, and 60-minute service on Saturdays. None of the three routes run on Sunday.

UTA Flex bus on route F590

Flex routes

UTA has 17 bus routes that are allowed to deviate up to 3⁄4 mile (1.2 km) from their set route to pick up or drop off passengers. These "flexible" routes are called Flex routes and are indicated by the letter "F" at the beginning of the route number (e.g. F618). Flex routes combine the convenience of curb-to-curb service with regular fixed routes making them a viable option for many paratransit riders. Certain rules and restrictions apply to Flex routes:

• Only two deviations are allowed per trip; however, even with deviations, routes maintain a schedule and never depart designated stops early.
• Riding Flex routes costs the same as regular routes; however, the cost for deviations is an additional $1.25 (in addition to the regular fare).
• Deviations may be scheduled up to seven days in advance but not less than two hours prior to travel time and can be made by calling 801-BUS-RIDE (801-287-7433) between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Paratransit

UTA paratransit bus

Throughout its area of operation, UTA provides paratransit service in addition to its FLEX routes for qualifying disabled passengers that are unable to, either temporarily or permanently, utilized the other transportation services provided by UTA (including bus service, TRAX, the S-Line, and FrontRunner). Although the cost to UTA for this service is substantial to UTA, the fare remains the same for passengers.

Paratransit fare is $4 for one-way curb-to-curb transportation. Riders must be pre-qualified to use the service.

Transit centers

UTA operates three transit centers which are open and staffed by customer service personnel during business hours (or extended business hours) Monday through Friday (except holidays). The first two are Salt Lake Central station and Ogden Central station, which are both served by FrontRunner and inter-county and local bus service (as well as TRAX, in the case of Salt Lake Central). All other transportation hubs operated by UTA (including Central Pointe, Murray Central, West Valley Central, Orem Central and Provo) stations are not staffed by customer service personnel.

In addition to the transit centers, UTA offers customer service by telephone for extended business hours Monday through Saturday. In addition to English, assistance can usually be provided in the following languages: Chinese, French, Spanish, Tongan, and Vietnamese.

Active fleet

Buses

Fleet numbers		Garage	Year	Make & model	Engine	Transmission	Picture	Notes
07001–07034	07001-07002, 07004-07006	Depot District	2007	Gillig BRT 40'	Cummins ISM 10.8L Turbodiesel (EPA 2007)	Allison B500R6		Remaining buses fleet numbers listed here. Only training in Timp/Ogden
	07028–07031	Timpanogos
	07013-07021 (Some retired)	Ogden
09001–09042	09001-09029 All retired	Meadowbrook	2009	Gillig BRT 40'	Cummins ISM 10.8L Turbodiesel (EPA 2007)	Allison B500R6		Most retired, last in service 09030–09036, 09042 Used for training in Timp. 09005, 09007, 09027-09029 transferred to High Valley Transit's fleet
	09030-09042	Timpanogos
09051–09055 (Some retired)		Meadowbrook	2009	Gillig BRT Suburban 40'	Cummins ISM 10.8L Turbodiesel (EPA 2007)	Allison B500R6		Coach seat style bus with no back door 09053-09055 retired. Only used on route 451-Tooele Fast Bus
10001		Ogden	2009	Gillig BRT 40'	Cummins ISL9 8.9L Turbodiesel (EPA 2010)	Allison B500R6		Gillig DEF Pilot bus And Originally Had Cummins ISL Engines
10002-10037	10011-10022 (Some retired)	Ogden	2010	Gillig BRT 40'	Cummins ISL9 8.9L Turbodiesel (EPA 2010)	Allison B500R6		Mostly retired. Only used as training and bus bridges at Meadowbrook. 10037 transferred to High Valley Transit's fleet
	10005-10007, 10010	Depot District
	10023-10037 (Some retired)	Meadowbrook
11001–11030	11013-11015	Depot District	2011	Gillig BRT 35'	Cummins ISL9 8.9L Turbodiesel (EPA 2010)	Voith D864.5		Snow chain equipped. Special mountain wrap and large rear doors for ski service.
	11004-11008	Meadowbrook
	11009-11010, 11016–11030	Ogden
	11001-11003, 11011–11012	Timpanogos
12001–12031		Meadowbrook	2012	Gillig BRT 40'	Cummins ISL9 8.9L Turbodiesel (EPA 2010)	Allison B500R6		12003 Totaled in accident 2021.
12041–12049 (Some retired)		Ogden	2012	Gillig BRT Hybrid 40'	Cummins ISB 6.7L Turbodiesel (EPA 2010)	Allison EP 40 Hybrid System		Last in service 12041, 12043, 12046, 12047, 12049.
13001–13010		Depot District	2013	Gillig BRT CNG 40'	Cummins ISL-G 8.9L Turbocharged CNG Engine (EPA 2010)	Allison B500R6		CNG buses
13031–13044		Depot District	2013	Gillig BRT Plus 40'	Cummins ISL-G 8.9L Turbocharged CNG Engine (EPA 2013)	Allison B500R6		Second order in 2013, utilizing the new EPA 2013 engine and a full roof.
13051–13052		Timpanogos	2013	Gillig BRT 35'	Cummins ISL9 8.9L Turbodiesel (EPA 2013)	Voith D864.5		Snow chain equipped. Special mountain wrap and large rear doors for ski service.
14001–14020		Ogden	2014	Gillig BRT 40'	Cummins ISL9 8.9L Turbodiesel (EPA 2013)	Allison B500R6		14020 totaled in accident 2022.
15001–15023		Depot District	2015	Gillig BRT Plus 40'	Cummins ISL-G 8.9L Turbocharged CNG Engine (EPA 2013)	Allison B500R6		CNG buses
16001–16005		Ogden	2016	Gillig BRT 35'	Cummins ISL9 8.9L Turbodiesel (EPA 2013)	Voith D864.5		Used on routes 674, 675, and 677 Special mountain wrap and large rear doors for ski service.
16006–16035		Depot District	2017	Gillig BRT CNG 35'	Cummins ISL-G NZ 8.9L Turbocharged CNG Engine (EPA 2013)	Voith D864.6		CNG buses
17001-17037	17001-17014	Ogden	2017	Gillig BRT 40'	Cummins L9 8.9L Turbodiesel (EPA 2017)	Allison B500R6
	17015-17037	Meadowbrook
17038–17057		Meadowbrook	2018	Gillig BRT 40'	Cummins L9 8.9L Turbodiesel (EPA 2017)	Allison B500R6
17058-17070		Timpanogos	2017	Gillig BRT Hybrid 35'	Cummins L9 8.9L Turbodiesel (EPA 2017)	Allison EP40 Hybrid System		Snow chain equipped. Special mountain wrap and large rear doors for ski service.
17071–17077		Ogden	2017	Gillig BRT 35'	Cummins L9 8.9L Turbodiesel (EPA 2017)	Voith D864.6		Snow chain equipped; used on 674, 675, and 677; ski service Special mountain wrap and large rear doors for ski service.
17101–17125		Timpanogos	2017	New Flyer XDE60	Cummins L9 8.9L Turbodiesel (EPA 2017)	Allison EP50 Hybrid System		Used on route 830X (UVX) BRT style bus with doors on the left side.
17201–17235		Depot District	2024	Gillig BRT CNG 35'	Cummins L9N 8.9L Turbocharged CNG Engine (EPA 2021)	Voith D864.6		CNG buses
17301-17345		Depot District	2017	Gillig BRT CNG 29'	Cummins ISL-G NZ 8.9L Turbocharged CNG Engine (EPA 2017)	Voith D864.6		CNG buses
17401-17450		Meadowbrook	2024	Gillig BRT 29'	Cummins L9 8.9L Turbodiesel (EPA 2021)	Voith D864.6
18001-18024	18016-18020	Ogden	2018	Gillig BRT 40'	Cummins L9 8.9L Turbodiesel (EPA 2017)	Allison B500R6
	Temporarily lent to Depot	Timpanogos
	18001-18015	Meadowbrook
	18021-18024	Depot District
18101–18102		Ogden	2018	Gillig Trolley 35'	Cummins L9 8.9L Turbodiesel (EPA 2017)	Voith D864.6		Used on routes 601, 628, and 667
18103–18104		Ogden	2018	Gillig Trolley 29'	Cummins L9 8.9L Turbodiesel (EPA 2017)	Voith D864.6		Used on routes 601, 628, and 667
18151–18153		Depot District	2018	New Flyer XE40	Electric	N/A		Electric buses.
19001–19010		Meadowbrook	2019	Gillig BRT 40'	Cummins L9 8.9L Turbodiesel (EPA 2017)	Allison B500R6
20001–20010		Meadowbrook	2020	Gillig Low Floor 40'	Cummins L9 8.9L Turbodiesel (EPA 2017)	Allison B500R6		First buses to receive the new streamlined UTA livery.
20051–20059		Meadowbrook	2020	Gillig Low Floor 35'	Cummins L9 8.9L Turbodiesel (EPA 2017)	Allison B500R6		Snow chain equipped, first buses to receive the Allison B500R Special mountain wrap and large rear doors for ski service.
21001-21023	21001-21014	Timpanogos	2021	Gillig Low Floor 40'	Cummins L9 8.9L Turbodiesel (EPA 2021)	Allison B500R6		Snow chain equipped 21015-21023 are used for Ski Service on routes 953, 972, and 994.
	21015-21023	Meadowbrook
21071-21097	21090-21097	Timpanogos	2021	MCI D45 CRT LE	Cummins X12 11.9L Turbodiesel (EPA 2021)	Allison B500R6
	21071-21089	Ogden
22001-22020		Timpanogos	2022	Gillig Low Floor 40'	Cummins L9 8.9L Turbodiesel (EPA 2021)	Allison B500R6		Snow chain equipped
22101-22111		Ogden	2022	Gillig Low Floor Plus 40' Battery Electric	Electric	N/A		Used on Route 603X (OGX) and Route 602 (Wildcat Shuttle)
23101-23120	23101-23114	Depot District	2023	Gillig Low Floor Plus 40' Battery Electric	Electric	N/A		Snow chain equipped
	23115-23120	Ogden
23001-23032		Meadowbrook	2023	Gillig Low Floor 40'	Cummins L9 8.9L Turbodiesel (EPA 2021)	Allison B500R6		First buses to receive L9 with 350hp 23001-23002 are used for Ski Service on routes 953, 972, and 994.
23041-23046		Meadowbrook	2023	Gillig Low Floor Suburban 40'	Cummins L9 8.9L Turbodiesel (EPA 2021)	Allison B500R6		To run route 451-Tooele Fast Bus. Coach style seating.
23201-23246		Timpanogos	2024	Gillig BRT Hybrid 35'	Cummins L9 8.9L Turbodiesel (EPA 2021)	Allison eGen Flex H 40 hybrid system		Snow chain equipped. Special mountain wrap and large rear doors for ski service.
24001-24012		Depot District	2024	Gillig Low Floor Plus 40' CNG	Cummins L9N 8.9L Turbocharged CNG Engine (EPA 2021)	Allison B500R6		To replace Depot's 07s

Light rail

Model	Image	Number in fleet	Manufactured	Notes
Siemens SD-100		23	1998	Primarily used for the Blue Line.
Siemens SD-160		17	2001–2003	Primarily used for the Blue line.
Siemens S70		77	2010–2012	Also used on the S Line.

Commuter rail

Model	Image	Manufactured	Road numbers	Number in fleet	Notes
MPXpress MP36PH-3C locomotives		2007	1–21	18	#12, was leased to the Northstar Line and subsequently acquired by Northstar in June 2010. #13 and #14 were sold to the MBTA in 2011.
EMD GP39 locomotive		1967	901	1	Not used for passenger service. Acquired from Virginia Railway Express. Originally a GP40 that was rebuilt into a GP39. Sold to New Hope and Ivyland Railroad in 2023
Bi-level Bombardier cab cars		2006	101–122	22	Used to run trains southbound without having to turn the entire train around.
Bi-level Bombardier coaches		2007	201–216	16	Coach Cars. Some equipped with bike racks.

TRAX light rail

Main article: TRAX (light rail)

A Red Line TRAX train stationed at Daybreak Parkway station

Population growth and accompanying congestion led to the study of the feasibility of light rail in the Salt Lake Valley in the early 1990s. A 1993 initiative to use tax revenues to purchase an underutilized rail corridor for potential light rail use was rejected by Salt Lake County voters. The County Commission opposed increasing taxes for light rail and even hired a lobbyist to this end. Nonetheless, the Utah Transit Authority moved forward and was able to make the purchase using other available funds.

A Blue Line TRAX Train crossing 200 South.

A Siemens SD-160 TRAX train parked at the University Medical station for special event service; fitted with an upgraded PA system.

UTA also lobbied for funding and in August 1995 won $240 million from the federal government as part of the budget for I-15 reconstruction. The light rail system was called TRAX. This federal grant amounted to over two-thirds the cost of the Blue Line to Sandy, and further bills would fund a second line to the University of Utah. Salt Lake City's successful bid to host the 2002 Winter Olympics gave the light rail project some priority over transit projects in other cities competing for federal funds; Secretary of Transportation Federico Peña explained, "The Winter Olympics in Salt Lake are not just Salt Lake's Olympics. They are the nation's Olympics." Nonetheless, UTA's cost-effective light rail project merited the support of the Federal Transit Administration and would have been funded and constructed regardless of the Olympics.

TRAX became operational December 4, 1999, with an initial route of 17.3 miles (27.8 km)—the Blue Line, then simply dubbed the Sandy/Salt Lake Line—from Sandy to Downtown Salt Lake City. In celebration, UTA offered free rides on the new line all day, and local residents stood in long lines to be packed into the new light rail cars. The Blue Line was expanded in April 2008 to Salt Lake Central station, and as part of UTA's FrontLines 2015 project, a three-station expansion of the line further south to Draper was completed.

Due to federal funding, the initial 2.3 miles (3.7 km) of the Red Line (or the University Line, as it was initially named), from downtown Salt Lake to the University of Utah, was operational by December 15, 2001—after 16 months of construction and well ahead of the original schedule. Construction was expedited to be completed before the 2002 Winter Olympics, to enable spectators to take TRAX to the opening ceremonies at Rice-Eccles Stadium. In light of heightened security in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, however, light rail service was suspended during the opening and closing ceremonies. Buses were used instead, and though also vulnerable, transported attendees without incident. An extension of 1.5 miles (2.4 km) further east to the University of Utah Medical Center was completed September 29, 2003, and an expansion of 10.6 miles (17.1 km) to South Jordan in the southwestern corner of the metropolitan area opened on August 7, 2011, with service to the Daybreak Community. At this same time TRAX lines began to be referred to by a color-coded name (rather than destinations) and the Red Line trains no longer traveled downtown, instead bypassing the city center and heading south and then southwest.

The success of TRAX led to the creation of a third line—the Green Line—which runs from the Airport station at the Salt Lake International Airport through Downtown Salt Lake City to West Valley Central station in West Valley City. This line also originally opened on August 7, 2011, and services 18 stations. The Airport extension of the Green Line, which added six new stations and provided rail service from downtown Salt Lake City to the Salt Lake International Airport for the first time, opened for service on April 14, 2013.

FrontRunner commuter rail

Main article: FrontRunner

A FrontRunner train at Salt Lake Central

In 2002, UTA announced a deal with Union Pacific to purchase a segment of track and right-of-way for a commuter rail line from Salt Lake City to Pleasant View, just northwest of Ogden. The new commuter train was named the FrontRunner in reference to the fact that it was intended to run up and down the Wasatch Front. Construction on the FrontRunner corridor began on August 10, 2005; seven stations opened running from Ogden to Salt Lake City on April 26, 2008. As part of the FrontLines 2015 project, the commuter rail corridor has been expanded south 44 miles (71 km) to Provo. Service began on the new southern extension on December 10, 2012. Future expansion may extend the corridor north to Brigham City in Box Elder County, and south to Payson and then Santaquin, with the possibility of even extending as far south as Nephi in Juab County.

In late 2020, the UTA began a virtual Open House event where citizens of Tooele were able to comment on a potential expansion of FrontRunner or bus service from Salt Lake City to Tooele County.

The S Line

Main article: S Line (UTA)

An S Line streetcar at the Fairmont stop

The S Line (formerly known as Sugar House Streetcar) is a streetcar transit line that connects Sugar House (a neighborhood of Salt Lake City) with the neighboring city of South Salt Lake, as well as the UTA TRAX system. It is a joint project between UTA, Salt Lake City, and South Salt Lake. The S-Line runs along the old Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad (D&RGW) line (which lies between 2100 South and the I-80 freeway) from the Central Pointe TRAX Station in South Salt Lake east to McClelland Street (1040 East) in Salt Lake City. The S Line line differs slightly from the TRAX lines in that it travels a slower speed, stops more often, and has "stops" instead of "stations". It is also intended for shorter trips than TRAX, as the initial length of the entire line is only about 2 miles (3.2 km).

Phase 1 of the S-Line opened for service on December 8, 2013. Future plans (Phase 2) include extending the line to run further north through Sugar House, but funding for the extension has not yet been secured.

In addition to the S-Line, several other areas in and around Salt Lake City are being evaluated for similar streetcar lines, but no specific projects have been announced so far.

Rideshare

UTA also provides many commuting alternatives through UTA Rideshare. Many of the Rideshare options involve a combination other transportation alternatives (e.g., bicycle lockers at rail stations, bicycle racks on buses as well as the FrontRunner and TRAX trains). While many of these alternatives are provided by UTA, some are coordinated with other alternative transportation alternatives (e.g., Enterprise CarShare).

One of the most visible is the UTA Vanpool program wherein commuters carpool together and share the cost (based on total monthly mileage), while UTA provides the van, fuel, vehicle maintenance, vehicle insurance, replacement van support, and up to 50 miles (80 km) per month for personal use of the van. The commuters must also provide designated drivers and a bookkeeper.

Other services of Rideshare include the Ridematching Database for those seeking partners for more traditional carpooling, suggestions for other alternatives to regular commuting, and options for employers to encourage and/or subsidize many of the alternatives suggested by Rideshare.

Change Day

UTA periodically adjusts its bus, TRAX, S-Line and FrontRunner schedules to meet changing ridership needs. Unless an urgent need arises, such as when a fairly major adjustment to resolve connections with the FrontRunner was made in February 2013, UTA generally limits Change Days to the middle part of April, August, and December each year. Changes can include new routes, elimination of routes, route changes, and schedule changes. Many of UTA's seasonal bus routes (such as ski bus service) also either begin or end on Change Days.

Area of operations

UTA operates in Box Elder, Davis, Salt Lake, Tooele, Utah, and Weber counties. Access extends from Brigham City in the north to Santaquin in the south. Service area includes of all cities in between, heading as far west as Grantsville in Tooele County. UTA also provides service to many of the major ski resorts along the Wasatch Front during the winter months.

Accessibility

All of UTA's TRAX and FrontRunner trains and stations, streetcars and streetcar stops, and buses are compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act and are therefore accessible to those with disabilities. Signage at the stations, on the passenger platforms, and on the trains and streetcars clearly indicate accessibility options. Ramps on the passenger platform and assistance from the train operator may be necessary for wheelchair boarding on the Blue Line on weekdays only; these ramps are not used on weekends or on the Red or Green Lines. In accordance with the Utah Clean Air Act and UTA ordinance, smoking is prohibited on UTA property.

Park-&-Ride

There are numerous free Park-&-Ride lots throughout UTA's operational area. Many are operated by UTA in conjunction with its TRAX and FrontRunner stations or other transit centers, but others are maintained by the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT). In addition, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) has designated many of its meetinghouses' parking lots for use as well. Some Park & Ride lots offer 24-hour parking, while others offer extended or multi-day parking.

UTA operates parking garages in conjunction with two of its stations, the Jordan Valley TRAX station in West Jordan and the Draper FrontRunner station in Draper. UTA also has a "kiss-and-ride" lot at the Draper FrontRunner station. The only parking provided at the Draper station is within the parking garage. There was also parking available on the nearby street before the city of Draper prohibited parking along FrontRunner Boulevard.

Funding

UTA funding sources

• Local option sales tax – 70.9 percent
• Federal funding – 13.1 percent
• Fares – 11.2 percent
• Investments – 3.1 percent
• Advertising – 1.3 percent
• Other – .3 percent

Fares

UTA's bus fares are fixed price, based on the service type, with express routes costing more. As of April 1, 2013, the basic bus and TRAX fare is US$2.50, and Paratransit is US$4 A fare on one mode of transit will usually transfer to another (e.g., bus to TRAX, FrontRunner to TRAX or bus, etc.). Paper and electronic transfers are issued and valid for use on other buses, TRAX and the S-Line. Fares on FrontRunner are distance-based and can be transferred to TRAX or bus, but TRAX or bus fare cannot be transferred to FrontRunner without purchase of an upgrade. Exemptions apply to kids below 6, who ride free with fare-paying rider, up to 3.

Numerous fare products and a variety of discounts and discount passes are available for eligible riders. These include all day and monthly passes purchased at local stores; passes for college students, minors, and seniors; Group Passes; and employer-sponsored passes. Ticket machines at all FrontRunner, MAX, TRAX and S-Line stations accept cash and major debit and credit cards. While ticket machines provide change for cash purchases, cash paying riders must have the exact fare amount upon boarding buses, as change is not available.

In 2009, UTA launched an automated fare collection system (ARC) to collect fares with contactless smart cards. As the first full AFC system in the United States to accept contactless bank cards, the UTA system, implemented in conjunction with Vix Technology, received the 2009 Innovation Award from the American Public Transportation Association and the 2009 Sesames Transportation Award.

UTA is now offering a prepaid fare card called FAREPAY. FAREPAY cards can be used to quickly pay fares on any UTA operated transportation (except paratransit). The cards can be purchased online or a UTA customer service center, as well as select retailers. The cards have a one-time US$3 activation fee, but can then be loaded (or reloaded) with as little as US$5 or as much as US$500. Reloading of cards may also be done online or at a UTA customer service center, as well as the same select retailers that sell the cards. Riders who pay with FAREPAY receive 40 percent off bus fare, 20 percent off TRAX and S-Line fare and up to 20 percent off FrontRunner fare. This promotion has been extended until December 31, 2017.

UTA currently has a Free Fare Zone in downtown Salt Lake City which allows transportation patrons that both enter and exit bus or TRAX service within the zone to ride at no charge. The zone was originally created in 1985 and covers an area of approximately 36 city blocks. The boundaries are roughly North Temple, 200 East, 500 South and 400 West. TRAX stations within the zone include Arena, City Center, Courthouse, Gallivan Plaza, Planetarium, and Temple Square. In addition, the Free Fare Zone also includes the area of the State Capitol (north to 500 North), the bus stops on 400 South between 200 East and 300 East, and three additional TRAX stations: Library, Old GreekTown, and Salt Lake Central. In June 2012 UTA revealed plans to eliminate the Free Fare Zone, but by September 2012 it announced that it would continue the zone, but with some minor adjustments, including when and how fares are collected for service ending outside the zone.

UTA has been criticized for having some of the highest fares in the transportation industry. In 2011 UTA raised fares as part of a change in the way it handled fuel surcharges. "A recent analysis by The Salt Lake Tribune shows that the UTA already had among the highest bus and train fares in the nation before the new fare hike. Its current total fare of US$2.25 was tied for fifth-highest among 193 transit systems nationally that responded to an American Public Transportation Association survey completed last August."

UTA fares have not increased since 2013. In 2016, UTA published information showing that the US$2.50 cash fare is comparable to other mid-sized agencies. When the US$1.50 FAREPAY fare is taken into consideration, the fare is lower than many other similar public transit agencies.

Leadership and operation

UTA is governed by a 3-member Board of Trustees that continually directs agency staff to improve public transit along the Wasatch Front. Trustees are appointed by the city and county governments that fund UTA with a local option sales taxes. Board members work with their appointing local representatives to direct UTA so the agency can best meet the needs of individual communities.

Local elected officials may serve on the UTA Board, and one seat is reserved for a member of the Utah Transportation Commission, which is part of the Utah Department of Transportation. The President of the Senate, Speaker of the House, and Governor of the State of Utah each appoint one seat as well.

In July 2013, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that for the year 2012 UTA had earned the "Gold Standard", TSA's highest security rating. TSA also reported that UTA was among only fifteen other mass transit agencies to have earned this rating for the same period.

Higher salaries of executives has been an issue. In 2015, UTA executives opted out of receiving an increase in their compensation and also refused to receive any of their usual annual bonuses for the 2015 and 2016 annual periods. UTA also revised its compensation policy on May 19, 2015, to bring those who are earning less than those in similar job functions at other transit organizations in line with the industry standards.

In 2016, the newly appointed CEO Jerry Benson announced that two of the executive positions were being removed and the departments under those previous executives responsibilities would be absorbed under the remaining members of the executive team.

CEO Jerry Benson was terminated effective May 7, 2018, following the passing of Utah SB 136.

UTA's current executive director is Jay Fox.

Police department

Main article: Utah Transit Authority Police Department

UTA also operates a law enforcement arm, the Utah Transit Authority Police Department. The department conducts law enforcement services, criminal investigations and public safety throughout bus transit, commuter rail, and light rail systems.

FrontLines 2015

The purpose of the FrontLines 2015 project was to meet the increasing transportation needs of the Wasatch Front's growing population. It consisted of expansions to both TRAX and FrontRunner and was the largest expansion in UTA's history. UTA relied heavily on sales tax revenues to fund this project. On December 10, 2012, the FrontRunner South extension opened for service and extended the previous line 45 miles (72 km) south from Salt Lake City to Provo. This new expansion allows commuters to travel from Provo to Salt Lake City in less than one hour. FrontRunner South was an extension of the previous line, which ran north from Downtown Salt Lake City to Pleasant View in north Weber County. FrontLines 2015 added/expanded four extensions in the TRAX system including the Mid-Jordan extension, the West Valley City extension, the airport extension, and the Draper extension. While all the projects were set to be completed by the year 2015, all of them were completed well ahead of schedule. The mid-Jordan TRAX and West Valley extensions both opened August 7, 2011, and the airport extension opened April 14, 2013, followed by the Draper extension on August 18, 2013. Just prior to the opening of the Draper extension in August 2013, UTA announced that the FrontLines 2015 project had been completed under budget and years ahead of schedule.

Retired fleet

GMC 2000 Fleet

Fleet Numbers	Make & Model	Picture	Year	Notes
2001	GMC			Acquired by UTA in 1974
2002	GMC|TDM-4507			Acquired by UTA in 1974
2003	GMC|TDM-4507			Acquired by UTA in 1974
2004	GMC			Acquired by UTA in 1974
2005	GMC			Acquired by UTA in 1974
2006	GMC|TDH-4509			Acquired by UTA in 1974
2007	GMC|TDH-4509			Acquired by UTA in 1974
2008	GMC|TDH-4509			Acquired by UTA in 1974
2009	GMC|TDH-4512			Acquired by UTA in 1974
2010	GMC			Acquired by UTA in 1974
2011	GMC|TDH-4512			Acquired by UTA in 1974
2012	GMC|TDH-4512			Acquired by UTA in 1974
2013	GMC-TDH-4512			Acquired by UTA in 1974
2014	GMC|TDH-4515		1954	Ex Metro Transportation (1974)| Ex Western Greyhound
2015	GMC|TDH-4515	UTA Bus 2015 at Ogden Garage	1954	Ex Metro Transportation (1974)| Ex Western Greyhound
2016	GMC|TDH-4515		1954	Ex Metro Transportation (1974)| Ex Western Greyhound
2017	GMC|TDH-4515		1954	Ex Metro Transportation (1974)| Ex Western Greyhound
2018	GMC|TDH-4515		1954	Ex Metro Transportation (1974)| Ex Western Greyhound
2019	GMC|TDH-4515		1954	Ex Metro Transportation (1974)| Ex Western Greyhound
2020	GMC|TDH-4515		1954	Ex Metro Transportation (1974)| Ex Western Greyhound
2021	GMC|TDH-4515		1954	Ex Metro Transportation (1974)| Ex Western Greyhound
2022	GMC|TDH-4515		1958	Ex Lake Shore Motor Coach Lines (1974)| Ex Los Angeles MTA| Ex Metropolitan Coach Lines
2023	GMC|TDH-4515		1958	Ex Lake Shore Motor Coach Lines (1974) | Ex Los Angeles MTA| Ex Metropolitan Coach Lines
2024	GMC|PDA-4101		1948	Ex Ogden Bus Lines (1974) | Ex Jordan Bus Co.
2025	GMC|PD-4102			Ex Lake Shore Motor Coach Lines (1974)
2026	GMC			Acquired by UTA in 1974
2027	GMC|PD-4104			Acquired by UTA in 1974
2028	GMC|PD-4104			Acquired by UTA in 1974
2029	GMC|PD-4104			Acquired by UTA in 1974
2030	GMC|PD-4104			Acquired by UTA in 1974
2031	GMC			Acquired by UTA in 1974
2032	GMC|TDH-5103			Acquired by UTA in 1974
2033	GMC			Acquired by UTA in 1974
2034	GMC			Acquired by UTA in 1974
2035	GMC|TDH-5103			Acquired by UTA in 1974
2036	GMC|PD-4106		1964	Acquired by UTA in 1974

3000 Flxible, Mercedes Benz, & GM

Fleet Number	Make & Model	Picture	Year	Notes
3001-3015	Flxible|35096-6-1		1975
3501-3505	M-B|0-309D		1977	Mercedes Benz
3775	GM|TDH-4509		1952	Ex Salt Lake City Lines (1970) | Ex Northern Indiana Transit
3777	GM|TDH-4509		1952	Ex Salt Lake City Lines (1970) | Ex Northern Indiana Transit
3778	GM|TDH-4509		1952	Ex Salt Lake City Lines (1970) | Ex Northern Indiana Transit
3789-3798	GM|TDH-4512		1958	Ex Salt Lake City Lines (1970)

4000, 5000 GM, AMG

Fleet Number	Make & Model	Picture	Year	Notes
4035-4049	GM|TDH-4517		1961	Ex Salt Lake City Lines (1970)
4101	GM|TDH-4517		1960	Ex WMATA (1980)| Ex AB&W
4102	GM|TDH-4517		1960	Ex WMATA (1980)| Ex AB&W
4103	GM|TDH-4517		1961	Ex WMATA (1980)| Ex AB&W
4104	GM|TDH-4517		1960	Ex WMATA (1980)| Ex AB&W
4105	GM|TDH-4517		1960	Ex WMATA (1980)| Ex AB&W
4106	GM|TDH-4517		1960	Ex WMATA (1980)| Ex WV&M
4107	GM|TDH-4517		1960	Ex WMATA (1980)| Ex WV&M
4108	GM|TDH-4517		1960	Ex WMATA (1980)| Ex AB&W
4109	GM|TDH-4517		1962	Ex WMATA (1980)| Ex WV&M
4110	GM|TDH-4517		1962	Ex WMATA (1980)| Ex WV&M
4111	GM|TDH-4517		1961	Ex WMATA (1980)| Ex WV&M
4112	GM|TDH-4517		1961	Ex WMATA (1980)| Ex AB&W
4113	GM|TDH-4517		1962	Ex WMATA (1980)| Ex WV&M
4114	GM|TDH-4517		1960	Ex WMATA (1980)| Ex AB&W
4115	GM|TDH-4517		1961	Ex WMATA (1980)| Ex WV&M
4116	GM|TDH-4517		1962	Ex WMATA (1980)| Ex WV&M
4117	GM|TDH-4517		1960	Ex WMATA (1980)| Ex AB&W
4118	GM|TDH-4517		1960	Ex WMATA (1980)| Ex AB&W
4119	GM|TDH-4517		1962	Ex WMATA (1980)| Ex WV&M
4120	GM|TDH-4517		1962	Ex WMATA (1980)| Ex WV&M
4121	GM|TDH-4517		1960	Ex WMATA (1980)| Ex WV&M
4122	GM|TDH-4517		1959	Ex WMATA (1980)| Ex DCTS
4123	GM|TDH-4517		1960	Ex WMATA (1980)| Ex WV&M
4124	GM|TDH-4517		1960	Ex WMATA (1980)| Ex AB&W
4125	GM|TDH-4517		1960	Ex WMATA (1980)| Ex AB&W
4201-4243	AMG|10235B-8		1976
4301-4340	AMG|10235B-8		1976	Ski Bus
4500-4505	GM|T6H-4521A		1971
4506-4522	GM|T6H-4523A		1972
4530-4583	AMG|9635-6		1974
4801-4920	GM|T8H-5307A		1976
5101-5140	GM|TDH-5103		1950-51	Ex Salt Lake City Lines (1974)

8000 GM, Gillig, Orion 2

Fleet Number	Make & Model	Picture	Year	Notes
8101-8150	GM|T6H-5307N		1981	GMD (Canada)
8301-8339	GM|TC-40102N		1983
8401-8463	GM|TC-40102N		1984
8465-8496	Gillig|3596TB-6V92		1984	Phantom, Ski, 35 ft, DD 6V92TA
8701-8778	Gillig|40102TB-6V92T		1987	Phantom, 40 ft, DD 6V92TA
8759-8764	Gillig|40102TBL10		1987	Phantom, 40 ft, Cummins L10
8801-8815	Orion|02.501		1988
8951-8996	Orion|02.501		1989

9000, 0100 MCI, Orion (1,2,5) ElDorado National, Gillig, New Flyer

Fleet Number	Make & Model	Picture	Year	Notes
9001-9066	MCI|TC40102N		1991
9101-9109	Orion|01.507		1991
9201-9276	Orion|05.501		1992
9281-9285	Orion|05.501		1992	CNG
9301-9347	Orion|05.501		1993
9491-9499	ElDorado National|RE-29		1994
9501-9561	Gillig|40102TBM11		1995	Phantom, 40 ft, Cummins M11
9601-9615	Gillig|40102TBS50		1995	Phantom, 40 ft, DDS 50
9631-9637	ElDorado National|RE-29		1996
9651-9665	Gillig|3596TBS50		1996	Phantom, 35 ft, DDS 50
9681-9699	Orion|02.501		1996	Ex BC Transit

1997 series-present

Fleet number		Garage	Year	Make/model	Engine	Transmission	Picture	Replacement	Notes
9701-9720		Meadowbrook	1997	Gillig Phantom 35'	Detroit Diesel 50 Series 8.5L Turbodiesel	Allison B400R5		11001-11030
9731-9741		Meadowbrook	1997	Gillig Phantom 40'	Cummins M11 10.8L Turbodiesel	Allison B400R5		12001-12031/10001-10037
9801-9812		Meadowbrook	1998	New Flyer D60LF	Detroit Diesel 50 Series 8.5L Turbodiesel	Allison B500R6		None	Retired early due to unreliability.
9901-9928	?	Unknown	1999	Gillig Advantage (Low Floor) 35'		Allison B400R5		None
9931-9954	?	Meadowbrook	1999	Gillig Advantage (Low Floor) 40'	Cummins ISC 8.3L Turbodiesel	Allison B400R5		17001-17057
9955-9997	?	Central	2000						2000 models.
0101-0151		Meadowbrook	2001	Gillig Advantage (Low Floor) 40'	Detroit Diesel 40 Series 7.6L Turbodiesel	Allison B400R5		17001-17057	Retired early due to unreliability
0161-0171		Meadowbrook	2001	Gillig Advantage (Low Floor) 35'	Detroit Diesel 40 Series 7.6L Turbodiesel	Allison B400R5		None	Retired early due to unreliability
0201-0214		Ogden	2003	MCI D4500CL	Detroit Diesel 60 series 12.7L Turbodiesel	Allison B500R6		21071-21097
0251-0253		Meadowbrook	2002	New Flyer DE40LF	Cummins ISL 8.9L Turbodiesel	Allison EP40 Hybrid Drive		None	Used as an experiment, retired early due to unreliability.
04001-04014	04001-04005	Ogden	2004	MCI D4500CL	Detroit Diesel 60 series 12.7L Turbodiesel	Allison B500R6		21071-21097
	04006-04014	Timpanogos
05051-05069		Meadowbrook	2005	MCI D4500CL	Detroit Diesel 60 series 12.7L Turbodiesel	Allison B500R6		None	05063-05069 were used exclusively on routes 901/902, and had a special Park City wrap.
06001-06031		Ogden	2006	Gillig BRT 40'	Cummins ISM 10.8L Turbodiesel	Voith D863.4		22101-22111
07001-07034		Central	2007	Gillig BRT 40'	Cummins ISM 10.8L Turbodiesel (EPA 2007)	Voith D863.4		24001-24012	Some still in service as spares.
07041-07045		Meadowbrook	2007	Gillig BRT Suburban 40'	Cummins ISM 10.8L Turbodiesel (EPA 2007)	Voith D863.4		None	Coach style bus with no rear door.
07051-07059		Meadowbrook	2007	Gillig BRT 35'	Cummins ISM 10.8L Turbodiesel (EPA 2007)	Voith D863.4		20051-20059	Ski buses equipped with jakes.
08101-08110		Meadowbrook	2008	Vanhool A300L	Cummins ISL 8.9L Turbodiesel (EPA 2007)	Voith D863.4		None	Used exclusively on route 35M-MAX until the discontinuation.
09001-09042	09001-09024	Meadowbrook	2009	Gillig BRT 40'	Cummins ISM 10.8L Turbodiesel (EPA 2007)	Voith D863.4		21015-21023
	09025-09042	Timpanogos						22001-22020
09051-09055		Meadowbrook	2009	Gillig BRT Suburban 40'	Cummins ISM 10.8L Turbodiesel (EPA 2007)	Voith D863.4		None	Coach style bus with no rear door.
09091-09095		Meadowbrook	2009	MCI D4500CL	Detroit Diesel 60 series 12.7L Turbodiesel	Allison B500R6		23041-23046	Used exclusively on routes 451, 901, and 902.
09101-09104		Meadowbrook	2009	Vanhool A300L	Cummins ISL 8.9L Turbodiesel (EPA 2007)	Voith D863.4		None	Used exclusively on route 35M-MAX until the discontinuation.
10001		Meadowbrook	2009	Gillig BRT 40'	Cummins ISL 8.9L Turbodiesel (EPA 2010)	Voith D863.4		23001-23032	First Gillig bus to receive DEF equipment; 2009 model
10002-10037			2010
10051-10070		Timpanogos	2010	Gillig BRT Hybrid 40'	Cummins ISB 6.7L Turbodiesel (EPA 2010)	Allison EP40 Hybrid system		21001-21014

See also

• Transportation in Salt Lake City

References

• UTA. "2016 Fact Facts". rideuta.com. Utah Transit Authority. Retrieved December 20, 2016.

External links

• Official website
• UTA at UtahRails.net — An index page for UTA's TRAX light rail, the FrontRunner commuter rail train, and UTA's buses, with extensive chronology histories.