The Wasatch Front is one of the fastest-growing regions in the nation. UTA is helping guide this growth by providing services that improve air quality, conserve our natural resources, and enhance our quality of life.
UTA’s Electric Bus Fleet
UTA currently has 34 battery-electric buses, including 17 that serve the Ogden Express (OGX) bus rapid transit (BRT) line. The remaining buses operate in Salt Lake County, frequently serving Routes 2, 209, and 509, which are well supported by electric charging infrastructure.
Two routes under development, Midvalley Express (April 2026) and Davis-Salt Lake City Community Connector (April 2028), will operate entirely with battery-electric buses.
Tooele County UTA On Demand Electrification
UTA’s Tooele County UTA On Demand zone operates with 10 Ford E-Transit electric, ADA-accessible, 6-passenger vans. The service is supported by electric chargers in the system and overnight electric chargers at the zone garage.
Zero-Emission Bus Transition Plan
The UTA Zero-Emission Bus Transition Plan is a comprehensive approach to help lower UTA fleet emissions through 2040, a key to improving Utahns’ quality of life through cleaner air.
As of December 2024, electric buses comprise approximately 8% of the UTA bus fleet. The transition plan target is 50% alternative fuel vehicles in the fleet by 2040: 36% (or nearly 200 vehicles) powered by electric batteries and 14% fueled by compressed natural gas.
The transition plan includes the development of electric charging infrastructure throughout the UTA service network. This map shows current, planned, and potential 300 kW overhead pantograph chargers located strategically in the UTA network for on-route charging. Overnight 150 kW chargers are located at regional bus maintenance facilities. UTA schedules sequential hour-long charging periods during the night to mitigate electrical grid impact.
The Low or No Emission Grant Program (49 U.S.C. 5339(c)) and the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Competitive Program (5339(b)) administered by the Federal Transit Administration are major funding sources for this transition plan. The plan includes all the information required to apply for these grants. Additional funding for electric buses may come from the Environmental Protection Agency through the Beehive Emissions Reduction Plan.
Air Quality Monitoring Project With Live Data Feed
Since 2014, three TRAX lines have been equipped with research-grade monitors that cover the valley, relaying emissions data every 10 seconds. This project was implemented in partnership with Salt Lake County, the University of Utah, and the Utah Department of Environmental Quality. Visit the project page for additional information.
In 2021, air quality monitors were added to some of UTA’s electric buses. As of 2025, 15 electric buses have been equipped with monitors, detecting PM2.5, PM10, and ozone. This project has allowed for more flexible data collection. Additionally, it provides essential information for future air quality improvement efforts and ensures that communities with the worst air quality receive attention. Visit the live data feed for more details.
UTA-Rocky Mountain Power Interagency Partnership Agreement
UTA and Rocky Mountain Power (RMP) enjoy a collaborative partnership in pursuit of joint clean energy projects. This partnership focuses on energy efficiency, electric vehicles, electrical infrastructure, grid resilience, and research and grants.
For example, UTA participates in RMP’s Blue Sky program by buying Renewable Energy Certificates to support the green energy supply to the grid. UTA also supports public charging infrastructure at transit park and ride locations like 3900 South Wasatch Boulevard.
For more information, see UTA’s WattSmart Plan.
Electrified Transportation Planning for Utah
UTA is part of the steering committee for Utah’s electrified transportation action plan. This collaborative effort builds on the research and development expertise of Advancing Sustainability through Powered Infrastructure for Roadway Electrification (ASPIRE) at Utah State University, as well as partnerships with industry and business across the state.
ASPIRE received $2.1 million in ongoing funding through Senate Bill 125 Transportation Infrastructure Amendments, signed into law by Governor Spencer Cox in March 2023. With this new ongoing funding, ASPIRE will facilitate strategic planning and development to guide Utah to an electrified and intelligent transit system.
In connection with this regional effort, UTA and USU researchers led the development of an energy management system for UTA’s intermodal hub at Salt Lake Central Station. The system mitigates peak load impacts (link to separate page: Electric Bus Charging Grid Impact pdf, attached) by momentarily shutting off electric bus fast chargers when TRAX vehicles depart from Salt Lake Central Station.
Visit ASPIRE’s website for additional information.
For more information about projects, please contact:
Hal Johnson, Director of Innovative Mobility Solutions
Phone: 801-237-1905
Email: hjohnson@rideuta.com
