The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) is preparing to implement major changes to its to service and fare as part of the April 2025 and 2026 Change Days, click here to learn more about all the proposed changes. These changes are significant, and we believe it’s essential for community voices to be heard during this public comment period, which ends on December 13, 2024.
Overview of Proposed Fare Changes
UTA’s fare collection system is shifting towards electronic fare media and account-based ticketing. This means some traditional fare media are proposed to be phased out, such as paper passes. Below is a summary of the some of the changes being proposed:
- Transition to FAREPAY Card System: The phasing out of monthly passes and paper tickets.
- Eliminate transfer slips for cash-paying riders: Cash-paying riders will no longer receive transfer slips. Each leg of a trip requiring a transfer, such as from a bus to a rail line, will cost separately. For instance, a rider transferring from bus to rail would pay $5.00 if paying with cash ($2.50 per leg). Electronic fare users will still benefit from transfer credits, which allow free transfers within a two-hour window.
- Reduced Fare limited to FAREPAY Cards: Cash users will pay full fare. In other words, reduced fare eligibility for seniors, youth, low-income riders, and people with disabilities would only be available through the Reduced Fare FAREPAY Card. Cash users would need to pay full fare.
Overview of Proposed Service Changes
The service change proposals for April 2025 and 2026 will implement the first two years of the UTA Five-Year Service Plan (5YSP). UTA is proposing a variety of changes across the service area, including in Box Elder, Weber, Davis, Salt Lake, and Utah Counties. Highlights of the service change proposals include adding frequency, restoring and establishing new bus routes, increasing coverage in communities, as well as discontinuing and replacing routes to better allocate resources. Get more information about all proposed changes at rideuta.com/AprilChangeDay.
Help Us Understand Your Community’s Needs
We know these changes require adaptation, and we want to ensure the transition is as smooth and accessible as possible. Your feedback on the following topics would be invaluable to understanding community concerns and identifying solutions:
- Cash-Paying Riders: What challenges would cash-paying riders face with the elimination of transfer slips and reduced fare access for cash payments, given that electronic fare media users can still access transfer credits? What support would make this transition to FAREPAY easier?
- Riders Utilizing Reduced Fares: How could we support seniors, youth, low-income, and disabled riders as they transition to electronic Reduced Fare FAREPAY Cards?
- Monthly pass users: For riders accustomed to budgeting with monthly passes, what would help them transition to a “pay-as-you-go” model with automated fare capping?
- Riders of Route 628 in Layton: Riders on Route 628 will see the proposed end of zero fare for this route. We’d appreciate feedback on how this change may impact those who rely on this service.
How You Can Help
As trusted community partners, your input is especially valuable in representing the unique needs and perspectives of those most impacted by these changes. Your assistance in gathering community perspectives is vital. Here’s how you can help:
- Encourage Community Feedback: Direct community members to share their experiences and feedback by submitting comments on UTA’s April 2025 & 2026 Change Day website.