Brad Larson, who lives in Layton and commutes to Cottonwood Heights, said the same: "My initial reaction is that I might as well drive," he said.

Both said the cost to ride commuter rail should be less than the cost to drive.

UTA spokesman Justin Jones said that the rates were comparable to other transit systems across the country, and that the agency believed riders would use commuter rail.

"This was the best fare structure to anticipate the demand, as well as to cover a portion of the cost to operate the system," he said. "We wanted to make it a premium service, because it gets people to their destination when they want to be there."

For more information about the rate hikes or bus redesign, log on to: www.rideuta.com

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E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com