In November, residents in Box Elder, Weber, Davis, Tooele, Salt Lake and Utah counties will vote on whether to approve a local option sales tax increase for transportation. If passed, a portion of the sales tax revenue would be used to improve public transportation in participating counties. See the resolution here.

If the sales tax increase is passed, UTA will use the funds for more frequent service, longer service hours and additional weekend service, with a focus on enhancing bus service. UTA’s Board of Trustees passed a resolution today, in response to requests from public officials, declaring the agency’s intent to use the additional funding for these priorities.

The board’s resolution states that in addition to increased frequency, service hours and weekend service, funds should also be used for first and last mile solutions like trails, biking and sidewalk facilities to help connect riders to transit, bus stop shelters and amenities, improved coordination of public and private transit resources and upgraded facilities and equipment.

If voters approve the increase, UTA will begin an extensive public outreach process, gathering extensive public input that will shape the specific plans for additional service. The public will be invited to share their feedback in a variety of ways including public hearings, community events, and via social media and online tools like Open UTA. You can follow us on Facebook or Twitter to learn about opportunities to share your thoughts, or visit Open UTA and tell us now where you’d like to see increased service.

UTA Board of Trustees member Charles G. Henderson said that if the tax is approved, the board will emphasize the use of public input when determining how to increase service.

“We recognize that this is not our system per se. The service we render is to the public,” Henderson said.

This resolution comes just weeks after UTA used funding saved from operational efficiency to increase service on TRAX, the S-Line and buses. On August 16, UTA extended Sunday operating hours on TRAX, added more S-Line service seven days a week and increased frequency or extended service on dozens of bus lines. In April, UTA increased frequency on several Utah County bus routes.

 

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