UTA seeks public comment on proposed service changes

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Transit Authority is planning to institute various changes to its routes, lines and other services when its two newest TRAX lines open this summer and the agency is asking people, via Twitter, e-mail and at various public meetings, to submit their opinions on the matter.

In questions and responses containing less than 140 characters via Twitter, UTA management was able to clear up some misconceptions about the planned changes and perhaps gain a few new riders as well. Some of the most popular questions dealt with specific routes and schedules, rather than changes that will go live in July.

"Understanding our customers' concerns is critical in the decision-making process," UTA General Manager Michael Allegra said. "Our goal is to receive as much comment as possible and Twitter seems to be a great tool to help that happen."

UTA held its first Twitter chat in February, netting 224 tweets and 47 participants. But that discussion was primarily held to address proposed fare changes within the system. Tuesday's chat, which dealt with the proposed service changes, was smaller, garnering about 100 contributions from about a dozen individuals.

Following the first chat experience, Allegra said he was "amazed at how many thoughtful questions and great suggestions we received."

The agency has presented two scenarios for changes in the system, narrowed from a previous five following initial study, to provide service to the largest number of people within its limited operating budget.

Both scenarios contain some of the same elements, including route and frequency modifications and elimination of some low ridership routes. Regardless of which scenario is chosen, schedules will have to change slightly to incorporate the opening of the Mid-Jordan and West Valley TRAX light rail lines in August.

UTA's website states that "while total transit service in Salt Lake County will increase, opening two light rail lines will bring notable changes to the existing bus and rail system."

Among those notable changes is the elimination of the "University Line," which will be replaced by the "Mid-Jordan Line" that will run from Daybreak to the University of Utah Medical Center. The new West Vally line will operate from the West Valley Intermodal Hub to Salt Lake Central. The lines will run every 15 minutes on weekdays and every 20 minutes on weekends.

Reduced Saturday and Sunday service is also an item up for discussion. UTA officials tweeted Tuesday that "public preference has indicated strong preference for increased weekday service and less weekend and Sunday service."

Other proposed changes can be found online at www.rideuta.com. The site also contains various maps and schedules.

The agency is planning to hold eight public hearings on its proposed service changes and will be accepting public comment until March 31. It will also be conducting an on-board survey of its riders sometime next month, specifically those who take advantage of its weekend services.

E-mail: wleonard@desnews.com