UTA brings two scenarios to the public on proposed service changes | News

This is a news release from UTA.

Today the Utah Transit Authority is announcing proposed changes to its bus and TRAX service in Salt Lake County and beginning a five-week public comment initiative. On August 7, 2011, UTA will open two new light rail lines: the Mid-Jordan and West Valley lines. These lines represent a significant increase in overall transit service, especially in the western part of Salt Lake County.

In conjunction with these openings, UTA is proposing changes to bus service in Salt Lake County to make the entire transit network operate more effectively as a unified system. In preparation for the August changes, UTA held a preliminary “scoping” effort last fall to seek input from the community. This input was used to assist the agency in developing service plans, and UTA is now proposing two potential service scenarios for public comment.

“This is the first time we have ever brought two scenarios to the public for their feedback,” UTA General Manager Michael Allegra said. “Both scenarios meet our budget, result in increased ridership and better cost efficiencies, and reflect what we heard from our customers last fall.”

Scenario A maintains the current network of 15-minute routes, and maintains or increases the weekday frequency of other routes. This scenario also includes light reductions in Saturday service; Sunday service would remain unchanged.

Scenario B increases the number of 15-minute frequency routes, and maintains or increases the weekday frequency of other routes. This scenario reduces Saturday service and eliminates bus service on Sunday.

Other changes featured in both scenarios include:

- Eliminates some routes due to the new TRAX lines or for improved efficiency
- Realignment of some routes to meet the new TRAX lines
- Adjusted service hours on some routes
- Conversion of some routes to flex routes, which run a regular schedule but can also be scheduled in advance to deviate up to 3/4 mile off route for just $1 more
- Reclassification of some “Fast Bus” routes to express routes or local routes

Detailed information about individual routes and system maps for the proposed scenarios are available on UTA’s website at www.rideuta.com.

TRAX service changes would include adjustments to the current system and the introduction of new service.

Mid-Jordan TRAX would replace the existing downtown-to-University line and Sandy-to-University direct line, with direct trains traveling all day from Daybreak in South Jordan to the University of Utah Medical Center. Travelers to the university from downtown or Sandy would connect with a transfer at Court House station.

West Valley TRAX would operate all day from the West Valley Intermodal Hub to Salt Lake Central station

Sandy TRAX will continue current operation from 10000 South Civic Center to Salt Lake Central station.

All lines would operate similar hours to the current TRAX schedule, with 15-minute service on weekdays from approximately 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., and 20-minute service with shorter hours on Saturday and Sunday.

Key transfer points between lines will be Court House (500 South), Central Pointe (2100 South), and Fashion Place West (6400 South).

“We hope everyone will review and comment on this proposal,” Allegra said. “Our final decisions regarding service will be determined by what we hear from the public and our riders.”

Comments on this proposal will be accepted through March 31. UTA will host seven public hearings in Salt Lake County and one in Grantsville to provide information on the proposals and to accept comment. UTA is also taking comment via the website, email, telephone, and mail, and General Manager Michael Allegra will also participate in a Twitter chat to answer questions and receive input on March 2 at 11:30 a.m. using the hashtag #uta2011.

For the public hearing schedule or more information on the proposed changes, visit www.rideuta.com.