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SALT LAKE CITY — Financial details are surfacing on why UTA wants to get rid of free bus service in downtown Salt Lake City.
UTA has contended it's losing $200,000 a year by letting people ride free downtown. About $100,000 of the loss is from people who would be paying customers but instead ride for free in the free fare zone, which extends from 600 West to 200 East and from North Temple to 500 South.
The agency says the other $100,000 is lost when people board buses in the free fare zone but ride to destinations outside the zone without paying.
- Tuesday, June 19
- 4:30 - 5 p.m.
- UTA posting from @rideuta account
- Join discussion by searching hashtag #UTAFFZ
- Thursday, June 21
- 5 - 7 p.m.
- 669 W. 200 South, Salt Lake City
- E-mail: hearingofficer@rideuta.com
- Call: 801-287-2667
UTA still has 85 years left on a 100-year deal it made with the city to provide free bus service downtown. UTA proposes paying the city $100,000, among other considerations, to end the service by August.
City council members have not agreed to that.
At a city council meeting last week, one councilman pointed out the city is trying to make it easier for people to ride on public transit. They believe the service provided by free bus service downtown is worth more than UTA is currently offering.
UTA plans a Twitter chat Tuesday to answer questions about the proposal, and a public hearing on Thursday.
