UTA Announces Changes to Free Fare Zone for Bus

Utah Transit Authority Free Fare Zone

News Release: Changes to Free Fare Zone for Bus


UTA Announces Changes to Free Fare Zone for Bus

Utah Transit Authority is keeping the Free Fare Zone in downtown Salt Lake City on both buses and TRAX.

“In response to public comment and after further discussion with the Salt Lake city council and other downtown stakeholders we have decided to keep buses and TRAX free within the Free Fare Zone,” General Manager Michael Allegra said. “We heard the public’s concerns and have worked to come up with a solution that keeps the Free Fare Zone while still addressing our operational and security challenges, which have always been our top priority.”

In the spring UTA entered into discussions regarding the possibility of adjusting the existing Free Fare Zone for bus. Both UTA and Salt Lake City held public hearings on the topic in June. UTA also held an online Twitter chat. Participants cited impacts to downtown businesses and low-income residents as their top concerns.

Free Fare Zone Boundaries

The boundaries of the Free Fare Zone are approximately North Temple to 500 South and 200 East to 400 West, with extensions to the State Capitol, the Salt Lake City Library, and the Salt Lake Central Station.  No changes will be made to the boundaries as part of this decision.

Method of Fare Collection to Change

Effective December 9, UTA will change the way fares are collected in the downtown area.  All bus fares will be collected at the beginning of the trip regardless of where the passenger boards.

Previously, bus riders starting a trip within the Free Fare Zone were required to pay their fare at the end of the trip, instead of at the beginning like other riders.

“This change will help us address some of the operational challenges of the Free Fare Zone,” Allegra said. “Reverse-fare collection was confusing for both our customers and our operators. It will simplify the system.”

Riders who are staying within the Free Fare Zone will still be able to ride buses for free;  however they will be required to indicate their destination within the Free Fare Zone boundaries when they board, or they will be required to pay the fare.

TRAX will remain unchanged. A valid proof of fare payment will only be required when traveling outside of the Free Fare Zone.

The Free Fare Zone was originally established by interlocal agreement between Salt Lake City and UTA in 1996.  Several changes to the Free Fare Zone have been made since that time, upon agreement between Salt Lake City and UTA.

A Great Meal is in the Bag at Bucket O’ Crawfish

Bucket o Crawfish

Those who like shellfish with Cajun flavor will love Bucket O’ Crawfish, located at 1980 West 3500 South in West Valley City. This relatively new eatery is located along UTA’s MAX bus rapid transit line on 3500 South and is served by Routes 35 and the 35M.

Diners can order shrimp, clams, mussels, crawfish and several varieties of crab and can choose from Cajun, garlic butter, and lemon pepper flavorings. In addition, it’s possible to customize the spiciness of the fish from mild to “crazy hot.” Fish is ordered by the pound and starts at about $10. Sides are available for as little as $1.

Shellfish is brought out to diners in plastic bags, and a bucket is provided for shell disposal. No plates are offered, but bibs and extra paper towels are provided.

Those who prefer not to eat from a bag can order the fried shrimp or catfish baskets, and sides such as corn, potatoes, sweet potato fries, sausages and chicken wings are available.

Bucket O’ Crawfish is open for dinner Monday through Friday and open for lunch and dinner on Saturdays and Sundays.

BYU vs. Utah Transit Plan

Utah vs BYU Football Game Service

Large crowds are expected to be utilizing the system Saturday, Sept. 15, during the evening commute as football fans travel to attend the University of Utah vs. BYU game. The game starts at 8 p.m.

To meet demand, we will be providing extra service beginning two hours before kick-off. Riders are advised to plan ahead to ensure they arrive at the game on time. In addition, the agency will be running late TRAX and FrontRunner trains.

Paying Your Fare

For customers who require cash fare, transit wristbands are for sale online. The wristbands are $4.70 round-trip. In addition, wristbands will be sold three hours prior to the game at Library, Trolley and the 900 East. TRAX stations and then again after the game at Stadium Station.

Passengers may also choose to purchase one-way or round-trip fares at any of the TRAX stations, or when they board the bus. Round-trip TRAX tickets will be accepted on Route 2 for two hours before and after the game.

Another option is the group pass – $14 for up to four riders round-trip during regular service hours. The group pass is good on TRAX, bus and FrontRunner.

TRAX

Starting two hours prior to kick-off, additional event trains will be added into regular service. The trains will depart Fashion Place Station (6400 South) and travel directly to Stadium Station. The event trains will have “University” displayed in the header.

Trains will arrive at Stadium Station every ten minutes between 5:38 and 7:38 p.m.

All Red Line trains will travel on their regular schedule and run directly to the University. Blue Line trains will run on their regular schedule and passengers will need to transfer to a Red Line or event train between Fashion Place West and Courthouse (500 South) stations. Green Line trains will also run on their regular schedule and will require a transfer between Central Pointe (2100 South) and Courthouse stations. We recommend transferring prior to Courthouse Station to avoid overcrowding on that platform.

Post game, TRAX trains will provide direct service to Daybreak Parkway  and Sandy Civic Center stations. Trains will be identified with “Daybreak” or “Sandy” in the header. The last train to depart Stadium will leave 30 minutes after the game.

Bus

Extra buses will operate between Salt Lake Central and Stadium Station before and after the game – the buses will be on Route 2 and will follow the regular route 1100 East and then deviate to 400 South University Street to serve Rice Eccles Stadium to help carry the large loads coming from FrontRunner. The buses will depart from the north end of Salt Lake Central Station.

The extra buses will also run for one hour following the game.

Fans may also select one of the other regular bus routes that travel to the University,  including routes 3220 or 228.

FrontRunner

FrontRunner will operate on its regular schedule. The last northbound trip to Ogden departs Salt Lake Central Station at 12:45 a.m. or 90 minutes after the end of the game.

FrontRunner passengers traveling to the game may board any TRAX train leaving Salt Lake Central Station and transfer at Courthouse Station or take a direct shuttle bus to the stadium.

Travel Tips

  • Purchase your fare in advance.
  • Before you cross railroad tracks or enter a TRAX or FrontRunner platform:
    • always watch for trains—look both ways
    • take off your head phones
    • put  your cell phone down—no texting or phone calls
    • hop off your bike or skateboard
    • hold smaller children’s hands
    • walk across the tracks or onto the platform when it is safe
    • never cross between train cars—always walk around to a designated safe crossing
  • Always stand away from the yellow tactile strip when trains approach the platform.
  • Never walk or play on tracks or the rail corridor; even for short cuts.  It could be deadly and is trespassing, punishable by a $100 or greater fine.
  • Never go around a lowered gate or try to outrun a train.  Just wait for the train to pass, the gates to lift and lights to stop before crossing the track.
  • Never throw things at the train or place things on the track; you could get hurt or even derail the train.

Blickenstaff’s Fun for Everyone

Blickenstaffs

Don’t just bring the kids, bring the whole family to explore the unique toys, games, candy and hands-on displays at the new Blickenstaff’s. The new store – easily accessible via TRAX - opens at The Gateway on Thursday, Aug. 9.

Blickenstaff’s is truly a store for everyone, allowing children of all ages to relive the memories of their childhood or build new ones. Upon entry you are immediately greeted with a warm nostalgic feeling. Enjoy rocking horses, old-fashioned candy and sodas, and unique toys not found at big box stores.

Plan on spending some time, because Blickenstaff’s is definitely a wonder to be seen.

Located just a short walk from the Planetarium TRAX Station stop, Blickenstaff’s can be found on the street level of The Gateway, just south of the splash pad. Also, for Utah County travelers, there is another Blickenstaff’s located at Riverwoods in Provo, easily accessed from Route 832.

Take the kids, take grandpa, and enjoy an afternoon of excitement. For more information, or a little behind the scenes on this fun, local shop visit Blick’s Blog.



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