Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I tap my card?
Electronic readers are located at all doors on all UTA buses and near the entrances to all TRAX and FrontRunner platforms. Just tap your card to the contactless logo (shown below) as you board and when exiting a bus or train platform. Remember to tap off with the same card to complete your trip.
How does the EFC system work?
It’s easy. Just tap a pass or contactless credit/debit card to the contactless logo on a reader. The system automatically recognizes the type of card and responds accordingly. The following are possible reader responses:
- Valid: a green light and acceptance message on the reader means your fare has been validated. Welcome aboard!
- Additional action required: a yellow light means that more action is required. For example, if you are using a regular Eco or Ed Pass you may need to pay an upgrade for a premium service. Check the reader display for more information.
- Not valid: a red light means your card is invalid or has been disabled. Check the reader display for more information. If your card is invalid, you must pay your fare using another payment method such as cash. If your card has been disabled, contact the card issuer to resolve the issue.
- Non-functional: if your card gets no response at all from the reader, try removing the card from your wallet or purse and try again. It may be experiencing card “collision” which occurs when one or more electronic cards are next to each other causing a faulty read. If your card still does not work, it may not be an electronic card or the chip/antenna inside may be damaged. Contact the card issuer for assistance.
How do credit/debit card transactions work on UTA?
Tap your contactless credit or debit card to the contactless logo on a UTA reader. Credit card transactions are authorized in less than a second. Credit cards users are charged the single adult cash fare. If your card does not work or is rejected, contact your credit card issuer. The UTA EFC system uses the same contactless technology as the major credit card companies for their contactless products. Transactions are protected by high-encryption security and processed in the back office and not at the reader level. UTA does not store any credit card numbers; all transactions are processed by a third-party payment gateway provider.
Does UTA track my movements when I tap on and tap off?
The EFC system does not allow anyone at UTA or our partners to track an individual’s movements on buses or rail. The data is generated in an aggregate form that allows UTA to analyze and understand traffic throughout the transit system in order to improve overall service and better plan for the future. Your personal privacy is assured.
Can someone steal my personal information from a contactless credit/debit card or from UTA’s reader?
The EFC system uses Payment Card Industry (PCI) data security, which uses high encryption to prevent anyone from capturing your information remotely or while a transaction is being performed. A lost or stolen card should be immediately reported to the card issuer, who will be able to turn off the lost card and activate a new replacement.
How will UTA know my fare is valid?
- Bus: As you board, the operator will receive a validation message from the reader just as you do and allow you to board. Be sure to tap off at a reader when you exit to complete your ride.
- TRAX and FrontRunner: UTA inspectors carry a small inspection device. When you are asked to show proof of fare, simply produce the pass or the contactless credit or debit card you used to pay, and the inspection device will register the “tap” you made prior to boarding. Remember to tap off when exiting the platform or your ride will be an incomplete trip.
How do transfers work?
If you are paying with a contactless credit or debit card, there is no need to ask for a transfer, the system will automatically recognize you when you switch from one service to another. You will only be charged for one trip if it is within the two hour transfer window. Tapping on and off each time you board and exit tells the EFC system where you began and ended your trip and you will be charged only for the most expensive service used.
Example: A woman begins her trip on a bus in Salt Lake City and pays for the trip using a contactless credit card. The card is pre-authorized for the single adult cash fare (currently $2.25). She taps off at the door when exiting the bus at Salt Lake Central Station and then taps the same card on a reader at the entrance to the FrontRunner platform. The EFC system now knows that she has transferred to FrontRunner and pre-authorizes her card for the maximum fare to the end of the line (currently $6.50). She rides to Layton and taps the reader as she exits the FrontRunner platform. The EFC system calculates her distance-based fare from Salt Lake City to Layton (currently $4.50) and credits the transfer from bus to train. Total charge for the trip = $4.50.
Which ski passes work on UTA ski buses? Which routes will they work on?
The following ski pass products are valid on UTA ski buses:
- Ski Salt Lake Superpass
- Cottonwood Canyon Resort Employee Passes
These pass products may be used on any ski bus route and on feeder routes 72 and 220. Ski passes are valid only during the ski season (typically Dec – Apr).
Do Paratransit vehicles have the electronic fare readers and accept contactless credit/debit cards?
The EFC system has not been installed on any Paratransit vehicles or services at this time. Contactless credit/debit cards are not being accepted on board at this time. Another form of payment will be required.
What else are you planning for EFC?
In the months ahead, UTA is planning to roll out new products that will allow anyone to use the new electronic fare collection system. Examples of future products in the planning stage include:
- Monthly pass
- Reduced fare
- Promotional passes