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.
Will bus drivers have flexability to open the back door for electonic fare passangers boarding the bus at high traffic locations? For example, at places like Salt Lake Central it speeds up boarding with both doors open.
It will be operator’s discretion, but the plan is for the back doors to remain closed in the Free Fare Zone.
It is not very clear how you are going to enforce someone who may be going from 300 W South Temple to 500 S State street. O have a solution for that. You could let people board the bus/train then at the last stop in the free fair zone you could then ask all riders who are going to continue from that point that they will have to pay. If you do also decide to implement a fair base zone service then this same process can be used.
How does this change affect route #500, which both begins and ends within the boundaries of the Free Fare Zone?
It will not affect the route.