The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) is introducing a simplified and consistent fare structure beginning Dec. 1, following extensive analysis of how each proposed change would affect riders and receiving public input.
All about that base
Everything is based off of the base fare. The base fare is currently $2.50 and that isn’t changing. From there, UTA bases the price for other fares and passes based on a multiplier, which provides more consistency. For example, now the Express Bus, SLC-Park City Connect, Ski Bus and the Day Pass are combined into the premium service category and priced at two times the base fare, or $5.00.
UTA says it has not made changes to its fares since 2013. With increased services and a growing service area, the fare product list grew too. It was time to take a closer look at things. After extensive analysis and rider feedback, UTA was able to reduce the number of fare products.
Other notables
- Discounted fares: Now all of UTA's passes for special groups are discounted the same. The youth, horizon and senior passes are now all discounted by 50 percent. The FAREPAY discount — currently 20 percent on rail and 40 percent on bus — will be a 20 percent discount on all services.
- Tokens: These are going away. UTA will continue to accept them as valid fare payment and exchange them for other fare until Aug. 7, 2021.
- Pairing things down: Park City 30-day pass, Flex Route Deviation Punch Pass and Monthly passes sold at Ticket Vending Machines will be eliminated beginning Dec. 1, 2020.
With these changes, some fares will slightly increase, while others will slightly decrease. UTA says it hopes regular riders and new ones will find this new fare structure more welcoming and easier to find what works for them and get to riding.
