Proposed Change Day Plan Includes Extending Reduced Fare Eligibility to More Riders, Simplifying Fares to Benefit Frequent Riders, and Sunsetting Zero Fares on UVX in Utah County

Salt Lake City (Feb. 28, 2024)---Utah Transit Authority (UTA) is soliciting public input for proposed August 2024 changes to fares and routes.

The recommended Change Day plan includes expanding the reduced fare income eligibility to an estimated 12,000 more riders, increasing the estimated qualifying Utahns to more than 50,000. Another proposed change benefits frequent riders with “fare capping,” meaning riders would not be charged after two trips per day and eight trips per week on their FAREPAY Card.

Another possible impact open for public input is UTA beginning to charge regular fare for Utah Valley Express (UVX) trips. The rapid bus service between Orem and Provo has been on a temporary Zero Fare program due to federal and grant funding since it opened in 2018. UVX fare would still be included for Ed Pass and Eco Pass holders under the proposed change.

There are no proposed bus or train route changes in August. Public comment is open for maintaining current frequency on three bus routes (Routes 39, 201, 218), and eliminating one route (Route 606) that has already been suspended and is covered by other routes.

The public comment period, open now until March 29, gives riders and non-riders the chance to share how the proposed changes may impact them and suggest how UTA can support the community should any changes be approved.

Comments may be shared during a virtual public meeting on March 13 or at any time before March 29 through the following ways:

Online form: rideuta.com/changeday
Email: hearingofficer@rideuta.com
Phone:  801-287-3888
Mail: Utah Transit Authority, c/o Jolisha Branch, 669 W. 200 S., Salt Lake City, Utah, 84101

For more details on proposed changes visit rideuta.com/changeday or call 801-RIDE-UTA (801-743-3882).