UTA cutting bus routes, expanding TRAX service

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Transit Authority announced Thursday that it's cutting bus service in order to fund two new TRAX lines.

Bus routes in Salt Lake, south Davis, and Tooele counties will be cut or realigned effective Aug. 7 to make room in its limited budget for South Jordan and West Valley TRAX lines.

The public transit agency has faced budget challenges due to lower than projected sales tax revenues. UTA authorities estimate ridership under the new plan will increase by at least 6 percent.

After receiving public input, UTA said it will retain most Sunday bus service.

"Public participation in this process was critical," UTA general manager Michael Allegra said. "We received more than 900 comments, and they have been invaluable in helping us to make our final decisions."

UTA said it plans to create several connector bus routes to provide coverage to areas affected by the route changes.

As for TRAX, all trains on the Mid-Jordan line will become direct trains traveling between Daybreak in South Jordan and the University of Utah.

The new line will replace the existing University line.

Trains on the West Valley line will travel between the West Valley Intermodal Hub and Salt Lake Central Station in downtown Salt Lake City.

All train lines will operate similar hours to the current TRAX schedule, with 15-minute service on weekdays from around 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., and 20-minute service with shorter hours on Saturday and Sunday.

Maps and information on planned route changes can be found online at www.rideuta.com.