UTA has already reduced its costs through hiring delays and the elimination of certain contracted services, as well as restricted travel, decreased supply purchases and the implementation of other strategic cost-cutting practices. However, this is not enough to offset rising fuel prices.

With fuel prices showing no indication of decline, the more likely scenario is that this could be the first in a series of increased fares.

UTA reported a $3.49-a-gallon average fuel cost for the past quarter. The surcharge matrix the agency is using calls for additional charges as diesel prices pass whole dollar benchmarks. The current proposed increase covers fuel prices in the $3-3.99 per gallon range. When the next level of $4-$4.99 is reached, an additional surcharge could be assessed. Each increase is expected to add about $200,000 to UTA's monthly revenues.

The scheduled fare increase for the beginning of next year also will remain in place, regardless of the fuel surcharge proposal.

• E-mail comments to: cburningham@rideuta.com

• Mail comments to: UTA, c/o Celeste Burningham, 3600 S. 700 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84119

• Telephone comments: 801-287-2369

• Two more public hearings are planned on the fuel surcharge:

— Utah County: 5:30 p.m., today, Provo City Library, 550 N. University Ave., Room 201, Provo.

— Weber County: 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Ogden Commission Chambers, Ogden County Building, 2380 Washington Blvd. Ogden.

• For more information, go to www.rideuta.com.

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E-mail: lynn@desnews.com