UTA accomplished major objectives in 2015, achieving goals in customer satisfaction and reliability tracking, investment-per-rider, revenue development and distance-based fare research. The organization also added TRAX, bus and S-Line service in 2015, enhanced more than 100 bus stops and engaged in increased community outreach and service.
In a report to the UTA Board of Trustees Finance & Operations regarding achievement of 2015 goals established by the Board, Interim President and CEO Jerry Benson said, “I wish we could have all 2,400 employees here today. I’m proud to be part of this organization and proud of the achievements that every employee at every level was able to accomplish.”
Ridership in 2015 was approximately 46.6 million boardings, essentially unchanged from the previous year. While the agency fell short of the goal of a 3.3 percent increase in ridership, UTA fared very well when compared with agencies across the country. The American Public Transportation Association recently reported that many transit agencies across the country lost riders due to falling fuel prices, with national public transit ridership down 1.3 percent.
UTA was able to maintain ridership in part due to extra service added in 2015 and by continuing its fare promotion on FAREPAY, the agency’s reloadable electronic fare card. In addition to continuing the 20 percent discount on rail with FAREPAY, the fare on local bus was reduced to $1.50. Service was also restored on three holidays last year, and additional bus and rail service was implemented in August. Ridership on these services has increased by an average of about 31 percent. Benson also reported that although UTA added additional service in 2015, UTA met its investment-per-rider goal through increased efficiencies and savings agency wide.
UTA also received $21.2 million dollars of federal and local discretionary funds, exceeding the goal of $13.5 million by 157.3 percent. This funding will be used to support a variety of ongoing programs and services, including vanpools, security systems and customer amenities. Over $4 million in federal Small Smarts funding was appropriated in 2015, with another $71 million allocated to UTA in the national budget for 2016. This funding is earmarked for fixed guideway projects and will be used for the development of a bus rapid transit line in Utah County.
UTA also achieved the board’s goal of studying the feasibility of a distance-based fare system. In 2015 the agency concluded an 18-month research and public outreach study on fare policy, including the consideration of distance-based fares. Staff consistently heard from the public and stakeholders that a distance-based fare structure was too complex, with minimal appeal and perceived value. UTA repeatedly heard that fares should be simple, predictable, and should not create confusion or barriers to riding the system. As a result, UTA decided not to implement a system-wide distance based fare structure and is currently developing proposals based on the feedback received.
UTA also had a 2015 goal of completing three new groundbreakings at UTA transit-oriented development sites. A groundbreaking at Sandy Civic Center Station was completed in November 2015, with two more planned for 2016.
In addition, in 2015 UTA reduced avoidable bus accidents, deployed a team of new fare inspection officers, and developed the Community Transit Advisory Committee, a group of citizens and stakeholders who give feedback on UTA services and proposals. The agency also refunded bonds for a savings of $77 million and gathered feedback from more than 8,000 residents on potential Prop 1 improvements.
Benson also reported that, continuing its application of world class lean management systems, UTA has challenged for the prestigious Shingo prize.
Benson’s complete presentation today, with more information about UTA’s goals and accomplishments in 2015, is available here.