UTA Change Day brings more than the usual changes

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Transit Authority has announced two big changes starting Sunday, August 18 as part of their August Change Day.

UTA Change Day usually marks the annual adjustments to schedules and services. This year more changes are coming than just schedule changes. 

Fare changes

After six years of a Zero Fare promotion, a regular fare will now be implemented on UVX, starting Aug. 18, 2024.

Spokesman J.T. Haight says UTA hadn’t collected fares because of a federal grant it received to build the transportation line between Orem and Provo. The UTA board of trustees extended the zero-fare program into this month, but come August 18, a fare will need to be paid.

“Riders would pay a regular fare of $2.50 or $1.25 for reduced fare riders for each trip. ECO and Ed pass holders will be able to tap on and off to continue to ride for zero fare,” said Haight.

Discount changes

The 20% discount on FAREPAY Cards will also be changing next week. A fare capping program with a set daily and weekly maximum fare will replace the discount. 

“You would not pay more than $5 a day or $20 a week for bus, tracks, S-line or UTA on demand. And no more than $10 a day or $40 a week on front runner and express bus,” Haight said.

Income-based reduced fare eligibility will also be expanded from $150 to 200% of the federal poverty level.

UTA also announced that routes 472 and 473 will return to their regular southbound services on Beck Street. 

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