This past year was so big that we couldn't keep this list to just ten. We had to go with a top twelve list! Below are some highlights of what we accomplished for our riders and community this year; however, it only scratches the surface of what UTA's 2,800 employees and partners achieved together.
1. Transit Becomes Your All-In-One Rider App!
At the beginning of the year, UTA left behind its previous fare payment app — UTA Go Ride — to provide an all-in-one experience on the Transit app. Riders have positively received this move. Our Transit app stats, downloads, purchases, and active users have doubled in the past year. Not a Transit user yet? Set up Transit today!
2. SLC & UTA Hosts the NBA All-Stars
The entire UTA team worked to welcome 100,000+ fans for NBA All-Star Weekend by providing reliable service, numerous friendly ambassadors, and 10-days of zero fare. Check out this fun recap on our Instagram.
3. Depot District Starts Operation
The Central Depot District Garage, a facility designed to accommodate alternative-fuel, clean-air transit vehicles and house a fleet of approximately 47 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, opened to replace the outdated Salt Lake Central bus garage. This was the first building UTA has built since the early 80's. Learn more about this achievement.
4. New Blue Line Cars Are Coming
UTA won approval for a $60 million federal grant for 20 new TRAX Blue Line cars with level boarding. Level-boarding cars will vastly improve rider safety and access and increase reliability.
5. Our First Year of Fun In Transit
This year, we experimented with different ways we can enhance the rider experience by providing opportunities for riders to sing, play, and connect with other riders while using UTA services. We hope you caught one of our three Party Trains on your way to Ogden or SLC Twilight concerts or one of our three Jingle Trains happening this month.
Next year’s activities will be guided by riders submissions. If you have an idea, share it here.
6. Student Art Competition Grows
We completed the second edition of My BeUTAHful Community Student Art Competition with thousands of incredible entries from students across the state. We celebrated our fourteen winners with a party at UTA Headquarters, giving them and their teachers with gifts and formal acknowledgement. You can find their art displayed throughout UTA’s service area.
7. Simplified TRAX Schedule
With the August Change Day, UTA began 15-minute service on Saturdays for all TRAX Lines. It was not only an addition of service, but also a simplification from three schedules down to two, so now, Monday through Saturday runs the same schedule. You can find schedules and maps at rideuta.com/TRAX.
8. OGX Begins Service
The new, all-electric OGX Bus Rapid Transit line, connecting Weber State University, McKay-Dee Hospital, and Ogden to the Wasatch Front, was opened in August. It rose to our eighth-highest route by average weekday ridership in just a few months of operation. Learn more about Ogden Express.
https://rideuta.com/news/2023/08/OGX-Ribbon-Cutting
9. Two Needed Pedestrian Bridges Open
We have improved safety and access by completing two pedestrian bridges in partnership with cities (Salt Lake City and Provo), the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Wasatch Front Regional Council (WFRC), and Mountainland Association of Governments (MAG). We opened 300 North Bridge in October and the Provo Station Bridge in November. Learn more about how this was made possible.
10. UTA and Partners Expands Transit Pass
We renewed our successful partnership with the Salt Lake City School District and launched the Guardian Pass as a companion to the SLCSD transit pass. This pass now offers zero-fare transit to over 36,000 people.
11. Three Notable Anniversaries
In April, we celebrated 15 years of FrontRunner service. Our first BRT (UVX) turned five in August, and in December, the S-Line turned ten. All these provide an opportunity to reflect on what UTA employees, riders, and community partners have been able to accomplish together and what is ahead for these incredible services. Learn more about FrontRunner 15.
12. Electrified UTA On Demand in Tooele
Alongside Tooele County, the FTA, UCAIR (Utah Clean Air Partnership), Rocky Mountain Power, and Via Transportation, we unveiled a new all-electric and ADA-accessible vehicle fleet for UTA On Demand in Tooele. This is the fourth service area to which UTA has expanded microtransit service. https://rideuta.com/news/2023/11/Four-Years-Four-Service-Areas
Notable Mention!
Our Planning and Community Engagement Teams have been super busy this past year. We finalized two notable plans, our Five-Year Service Plan and our first-ever Long-Range Transit Plan, UTA Moves 2050. We’ve also worked with partners on numerous Station Area Plans: Orem, Clearfeild, Murray Central, and Union Station.
Big thank you to everyone that made 2023 so successful! We hope you our riders will continue to stay connected with us by signing up for our rider newsletter, Rider Insider, or follow along on your favorite social media (@RideUTA).