There are two strong arguments for enhancing mass transit along the Wasatch Front: A larger population will mean more cars on the road, and that means more air pollution will pose health risks.

Utah must take steps to grow smarter.

The Wasatch Front Regional Council needs to make mass transit a higher priority in future long-range transportation plans — if not totally revise the recently approved Regional Transportation Plan. The plan, which will be updated in four years, outlines transportation projects to relieve congestion in five Wasatch Front counties for the next 23 years, including $14.4 billion for highways and $5 billion for transit.

Understanding the council's hands are somewhat constrained by federal laws regarding transportation money, Utah leaders would do well to attempt to alter those policies. Although every municipality can argue how its characteristics are so unique that it should be allowed exceptions under rigid federal guidelines, the bowl-like topography of the Salt Lake Valley renders it highly vulnerable to inversions. While Utahns generally are compliant with restrictions on burning wood in fireplaces, they have had limited choices when it comes to curbing automobile use during those sensitive periods.

On those few days when the air quality is so poor that a brown cloud hangs over the Salt Lake Valley, Utahns are encouraged to take mass transit, car pool or make fewer trips by automobile. Some try, but the vast majority don't — either out of indifference or because they have no other options.

The Wasatch Front needs more transit choices. Commuter rail should help curb highway congestion. But when people reach their destinations on heavy rail, they need access to light rail and buses to complete their journeys. As population increases, adding capacity to existing and new roads is a priority — whether through greater incentives for car pooling or more mass transit.

The Wasatch Front Regional Council has quadrupled the amount of money shifted to public transportation in recent years. That's impressive. But somehow, the council, in concert with Utah's congressional delegation, must devise a way to fund transportation projects that will enable far more people to leave the driving to mass transit and also improve air quality.

Federal policy must change to reflect the needs of booming states and communities.