Reader comments
Makeup of UTA board could change

Does this bill do anything about how much some of the UTA staff get paid with our tax dollars? The proof that the Board isn't doing its job is in how much more UTA's top bureaucrats gets paid than at transit agencies in places like New York City where the cost of living is higher. It must be nice to get to write your own check without a board asking why you are worth so much.

The Anti-Hunger Coalition better watch what they support. Both of the bills come from guys who are don't like transit. No matter what the make up of the board your going to have troubles. Most transit boards dominated by politicians are poorly run just look at METRO in Los Angeles that is directly controlled by politicians.

UTA people always point fingers at the Legislature and blame them for their inability to provide a more popular service. More than twice as many people in LA use transit to get to work as in Salt Lake County. A board made up of politicians would be more responsive to the public than what UTA has now.

Two anti-transit politicians are trying to take over the UTA. Yes, UTA needs changes but putting the politicians in charge of UTA is putting the fox in charge of the hen house. Be careful what you wish for you may get it.

I read the bill very closely befor making a comment on it. I saw several things in the bill that would be good for low income bus riders but nothing that would hurt them. I am not the smartest person in the world but I did graduate from law school and I know how to read a bill correctly. Before you attack the sponsor of this bill I suggest you read it for yourself. It is available on-line.

The UTA Board already has several politicians on it. This bill would make sure that the Board also includes accountants and advocates for low income bus riders so that the Board has the capacity to adequately supervise management. The bill also says that one purpose of transit districts is to decrease car dependency and improve air quality and establishes a formal process for acheiving thos purposes. The only reason to oppose this bill is if you are a top level UTA staff person who is worried that you will no longer be able to get a yearly bonus that is significantly higher than what is available for state employees.

If you have questions call me at (801)-364-7765 ex 131

Before commenting on the bill I read very carefully. I saw several provisions that would be good for low income bus riders but none that would be bad for them. Before making negative comments about the bill's sponsor, I suggest that people go to the legislature's website and read the entire bill for themselves.

The UTA Board already has several politicians on it. This bill would add advocates for people with disabilities and low income bus riders to that board-- which would provide some needed balance. It would also change Utah law so that increasing use of transit and improving air quality are official goals for transit agencies and creates a formal process for setting goals in those area.

The one group of people who will be hurt by this bill are UTA's upper management-- who will no longer be allowed to receive performance bonuses several times larger than what state employees are allowed to receive. Personally, I believe that money would be better spent on public transportation.

I support the bill, UTA only care about Light Rail
and Communter Rail. Why they about people that do not have a car or cannot drive, all the UTA administration have car, also all the board have a car. They do not understand that people have lost there self respect and dignity, they do not get it because they can go out get in there car go where need to go. UTA needs to be held accountable and the UTA board.

I will agree that having a person representing low income and the business community is good. Also performance standards are good. However, it creates performance standards which is good. However, lets look at some of the aspects: 1. Bus service within a 1/4 mile of residents 2. Bus service maintains a certain cost recovery (no problem for TRAX if numbers are kept honest) 3. Sets standards that would make number 1 impossible to uphold.

I can make comments about the bill's author because he has a track record. A track record that shows he is no friend of transit.