UTA testing new filter, upgrade for Internet

The Utah Transit Authority is introducing a new — and more stringent — Internet filter for customers.

"Right now, it's just on FrontRunner that we've changed the Internet filter," said Gerry Carpenter, UTA spokesman. "The change occurred about three weeks ago. Basically, we've begun testing a new Web filter."

Express buses, on which passengers also have free Internet, will most likely also get the new filter in coming months.

UTA is up for renewal with current filter WebSense, which would cost $20,000 for the next 18 months. UTA is also testing Barracuda Networks. The Barracuda system, Carpenter said, would also upgrade UTA's overall communication system in which bus locations and other information is communicated to a radio control center. Currently, the buses are connected to radio control through a cellular Internet service. Barracuda will charge about $10,000 a year for the entire system, Carpenter said.

"When we first put (the Barracuda system) in place and started the testing, it was configured very aggressively," Carpenter said.

UTA has received complaints from passengers saying that computer games were blocked.

"So basically, if anyone feels that a site is being filtered incorrectly, they can contact our customer service center and we can make that adjustment as we feel appropriate," Carpenter said.

Complaints can be sent to rideuta.com or by calling 888-743-3882.

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