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Andrew Adams and Tom Callan reportingThe Utah Transit Authority (UTA) may raise fares for its buses and trains. Riders already aren't happy.
For a lot of people, if this isn't the last straw of rising transportation costs, it's close to it.
John and Elizabeth don't like it. "I think it's pretty stupid," John said.
"Most people who use TRAX either use it for their job or just because they don't have enough money," Elizabeth said.
But Andrew seems some reasoning in it. "It's only fair. If they're going to have to pay more money to run the bus system, we should have to pay more money to ride the bus system," he said.
UTA is trying to deal with the increasing cost of diesel. Officials say they may have to cut service, a possible 8 percent reduction across the board, if they don't get their increases.
"The last thing we want to do is cut service, and that would be a potential if we don't have these surcharges," said Carrie Bohnsack-Ware, spokeswoman for UTA.
You can tell UTA what you think about the proposal during May public hearings (see dates and times below).
"We need about $5 million more, you know, for these operating expenses," Bohnsack-Ware said.
If approved, prices on buses and TRAX fares would go up 25 cents. Riding FrontRunner would cost 50 cents more.
For more information on the surcharge, go to the related links.
E-mail: aadams@ksl.com
E-mail: tcallan@ksl.com
Public meetings will be held at:
Salt Lake County: 5:30 p.m., May 13, UTA Offices at 3600 S. 700 West, Salt Lake City.
Utah County: 5:30 p.m., May 14 at the Provo City Library on 550 North University Ave., Room 201.
Weber County: 5:30 p.m., May 15, Ogden Commission Chambers, Ogden County Building, 2380 Washington Blvd.
