Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Utah commuters could be getting free or discounted transit rides on red-burn days when air pollution is at its worst.
Rep. Wayne Harper, R-West Jordan, is proposing the idea to the Utah Legislature. He borrowed it from Virginia's transit system which gives free rides on yellow-burn days. Harper believes free or discounted rides would reduce traffic congestion and air pollution.
"You've got to do something to reduce congestion," Harper said.
Under Harper's proposal, bus and light rail train rides in the Salt Lake Valley would be free on red-burn, or high pollution days, and discounted on yellow-burn days. Utah has between 40 and 50 red burn days each year, he said.
State and county health departments issue daily air quality information, warning the public to restrict the use of motor vehicles and some physical activities when the air quality is poor.
The bill could cut revenue for the Utah Transportation Authority by $4 million. UTA officials said they haven't taken a position on the legislation, but are monitoring it closely.
If the bill becomes law, UTA would have to set a process for changing the way it collects fares on the designated days by July 1. UTA would also need a strategy for advertising free or discounted rides.
A recent audit of UTA showed the agency's buses have a negligible effect on air quality. The agency has been upgrading its fleet to add newer, cleaner technology vehicles.
------
Information from: The Deseret Morning News
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
