UTA says it can't go fare-free as riders push back on $3 base fare
Public comments on the proposed increase repeatedly called for free transit, but the agency says fares still cover about 6% of its revenue and state law requires them.
Based on reporting by KUER: Politics & Government. Read the original story →
The Utah Transit Authority's plan to raise its base fare from $2.50 to $3 has drawn more than 140 pages of public comments, many objecting to the increase and some calling for free transit instead, KUER reported. The base fare has not changed since 2013. [1]
Chris Stout, co-founder of the Utah Transit Riders Union, argued that free fares would boost ridership, ease traffic and help people who cannot afford to ride. He suggested tax revenue and legislative funding could cover the cost but doubted lawmakers would agree. [1]
UTA spokesperson Gavin Gustafson said state law requires transit agencies to set reasonable fares that cover costs where practical, and the agency cannot drop fares without a replacement revenue source. Fares are expected to bring in just under $41 million in 2026, about 6% of revenue, down from 15% in 2016; most of UTA's money comes from sales tax. Gustafson said the increase is meant to maintain current service amid rising costs, not expand it. [1]
Some smaller Utah systems, such as High Valley Transit in the Wasatch Back, are fare-free. UTA leaders are now weighing the proposal, according to the station. [1]
Sources
This story was written by AI from the report by KUER: Politics & Government, which has the full story. How we write stories.