Public comment period is August 10 to September 9

SALT LAKE CITY (August 6, 2026) — The Utah Transit Authority is inviting the public to provide feedback on proposed service and fare changes planned for 2027. The public comment period is open from August 10 through September 9, 2026, giving riders and community members the opportunity to help shape future transit service across the Wasatch Front. The proposed changes include the planned opening of the S-Line Extension, the introduction of contactless tap-to-pay fare payment and a proposed adjustment to UTA's base fare.

Proposed Service Change

S-Line Extension
UTA is proposing to add service on the new S-Line Extension, which is currently under construction and scheduled to open in August 2027.
The extension will add a new station at Highland Drive and Simpson Avenue, providing improved access to the Sugar House business district, shops, restaurants, new housing and the University of Utah Sugar House Health Center. The project represents a significant investment in sustainable transportation and expanded mobility for the community.

Proposed Fare Changes

Tap To Pay
UTA is proposing to allow riders to pay fares by tapping a contactless credit or debit card, or a mobile wallet on a smartphone or wearable device.
Today, riders can tap to pay using FAREPAY Cards, student and Eco passes, and other electronic fare media. The proposed enhancement would provide an additional fast, convenient payment option, particularly for occasional riders and visitors.
Base Fare Adjustment
UTA is proposing to increase the base fare from $2.50 to $3.
The current base fare has remained unchanged since 2013. The proposed adjustment would help offset increased costs associated with operating, maintaining, and expanding transit service while continuing to provide reliable transportation throughout the region.

How to Participate

Public comments must be received, postmarked or submitted electronically by 5 p.m. on September 9, 2026, to be included in the official public comment record.
Comments may be submitted:

 

• Online through UTA's public comment webpage
• By email: hearingofficer@rideuta.com
• By phone: 801-287-3888
• By mail:
  Utah Transit Authority
  Attn: Jolisha Branch
  669 W. 200 S.
  Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Virtual Public Meeting

UTA will host a virtual public meeting on Wednesday, August 26, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will include an overview of the proposed changes and provide attendees with an opportunity to ask questions and submit comments. A recording of the meeting will be made available following the event. Register here: rideuta.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Yi9tUKsmSR2sndL-1Ybshw#/registration.

To ensure full participation at the meeting and during the public comment period, accommodations for effective communication such as a sign language interpreter, printed materials in alternative formats, or a language interpreter for non-English speaking participants must be requested at least five working days prior to the date of the scheduled event by contacting the UTA Hearing Officer at 801-287-2444. Requests for ADA accommodations should be directed to UTA’s ADA Compliance Officer at adacompliance@rideuta.com or 801-262-5626. Deaf or hearing-impaired persons should dial 711 to make a relay call. 

Additional information about the proposed changes, the S-Line Extension project, and instructions for submitting comments are available at rideuta.com/feedback.

###