SALT LAKE CITY

Salt Lake City ranks high in new data on transportation pollution

May 22, 2024, 12:00 PM

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MARCH 18: A Trax public transit train sits idle. Salt lake city transportation...

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MARCH 18: A Trax public transit train sits idle after the entire train system was shut down in downtown Salt Lake City after an earthquake on March 18, 2020 in Salt Lake City, Utah. A 5.7-magnitude earthquake hit the Salt Lake Valley on Wednesday morning followed by at least 20 aftershocks ranging from magnitude 2.5 to 3.9. (George Frey/Getty Images)

(George Frey/Getty Images)

SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake City received national praise for its efforts to reduce transportation pollution. StreetLight Data’s 2024 Climate Impact Index ranked Salt Lake City as 15th out of 100 for limiting pollution. 

Director of Innovative Mobility for UTA, Hal Johnson, said the ranking comes, in part, because the agency tries to provide for the needs of the communities they serve through a market-based approach.

According to the report by StreetLight Data, Salt Lake City has the 8th most-used public transit system.

Additionally, Johnson said the ranking likely reflects UTA’s effort to target younger ridership. “We see a lot of young people on the transit system as there’s a lot of interest in being more environmentally friendly,” Johnson said.

Salt Lake City has low transportation pollution, what about other cities? 

However, it’s a different story for Ogden, and Provo, Utah.  StreetLight’s survey has those cities ranked last. 

UTA continuing to encourage more riders to take public transit. Johnson said they are “working with the communities to plan for more people living and working in and around the rail stations”.

Johnson said they have invested a lot in cleaning up their emissions, “We’ve made pretty significant investments in electrifying the bus fleet. We have 34 electric buses we are operating”.

UTA has increased the use of these electrical buses in both Ogden and Provo to encourage more ridership.

Related readings:

 

 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Salt Lake City

Downtown Salt Lake City is pictured from the Avenues on Dec. 27, 2024. Astra Tower, seen here lit i...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

Salt Lake City is about to get another weather beacon. Here’s what this one will forecast

Astra Tower, about a block east of the Walker Center, will feature an air quality forecast lighting system, according to the Utah Clean Air Partnership.

2 days ago

Millcreek Mayor Jeff Silvestrini speaks with KSL TV in an interview on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2024. (KS...

Garna Mejia and Mary Culbertson, KSL TV

‘That’s thuggery’; Millcreek mayor demands investigation into ICE agents after traffic stop

After a controversial traffic stop made by ICE agents, Millcreek's city mayor is demanding action.

6 days ago

people's music hall of fame 2025 induction ceremony...

Heather Kelly

People’s Music Hall of Fame to be permanently based in Utah

Huey Lewis will be inducted into the People's Music Hall of Fame during its inaugural event on Friday, Feb. 7 at the Eccles Theater in downtown Salt Lake City.

8 days ago

A Utah Transit Authority TRAX ticket vending machine damaged as the result of alleged criminal misc...

Kennedy Camarena

Man held without bail after police say he caused more than $5,000 in damages to TRAX machines

66-year-old Wilbert Fike was arrested Tuesday for vandalizing a TRAX station machine at 55 S. Main Street.

14 days ago

FILE (KSL TV)...

Carlysle Price

Man accused of kidnapping junior high student after communicating online

A man is facing charges after allegedly communicating with a 14-year-old girl online and then kidnapping her.

17 days ago

A 18-year-old impaired driver, not pictured, caused a high-speed, four-car crash at 400 South State...

Alton Barnhart

SLCPD warns of DUI dangers after high-speed crash in downtown

Police are warning the public to not drive under the influence after a crash caused by a DUI drive occurred in downtown Salt Lake City.

18 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Salt Lake City ranks high in new data on transportation pollution