Every April 22, Earth Day marks the anniversary of the modern environmental movement, which began in the 1970’s. Last Earth Day, President Biden announced his goal for the United States to achieve a 50-52% reduction from 2005 levels in economy-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) pollution by 2030. In response, the Federal Transit Authority (FTA) launched the Sustainable Transit for a Healthy Planet Challenge to encourage transit agencies to take bold action to reduce GHG emissions from public transportation in support of President Biden’s goal.
The Utah Transit Authority has taken the challenge from the White House and the FTA to heart through a number of sustainability and clean air initiatives. The following are a few of the many ways UTA is committed to cleaner air and the environment and embodies Earth Day every day.
Electrification
UTA is committed to moving Utahns to a better quality of life by improving air quality, reducing wasteful energy consumption, and advancing the agency’s electrified fleet plan by investing in cleaner energy sources. By 2040, UTA intends to replace approximately 40% diesel-powered buses with battery-electric buses, two of which have been successfully operating in Salt Lake City since 2019. UTA is also currently working on plans to electrify UTA On Demand vehicles, Paratransit buses, Vanpool vans, white fleet vehicles, and eventually FrontRunner.
The significant increase in electric vehicles will require power storage upgrades and an expanded network of charging infrastructure, which is being managed through collaborative internal departments and external stakeholders. UTA’s Depot District, the New Central Depot Garage opens May 10 and will serve as the center of UTA’s electrification efforts. The garage will be home to the 33 new battery-electric buses purchased that will enter operations in the next two years.
Electrification helps improve air quality, reduces greenhouse emissions, and benefits businesses’ bottom lines by saving longer-term operating and maintenance costs. Further benefits will be realized as Utah transitions to more renewable energy.
One of UTA’s zero emission electric buses en route in Salt Lake City
Ski Bus
UTA has helped eager locals and tourists enjoy the famous Utah snow by providing Ski Bus shuttle services since 1976. We operate Ski Bus service to Snowbasin Resort and Powder Mountain in Weber County; Solitude Mountain Resort, Brighton Resort, Snowbird, and Alta Ski Area in Salt Lake County; Sundance Mountain Resort in Utah County; and Kimball Junction Transit Center in Park City.
In the 2021-2022 season, UTA helped over 400,000 skiers get up and down the mountain, significantly reducing the number of potential drivers on the winding canyon roads. Our Ski Buses traveled a collective 645,850 miles, offering service every 30 minutes when conditions permitted. By operating the Ski Bus, UTA reduces greenhouse gas emissions and enables more skiers to hit the slopes each season.
UTA has been offering Ski Bus services since 1976
No Bus Idling Policy
Summer often brings smoggy, unhealthy air to the Wasatch Front. Vehicle emissions contribute to this smog, releasing nitrogen oxides into the air where they mix with volatile organic compounds and sunlight to create unhealthy summer ozone. This ozone leads to poor air quality and can cause breathing issues for people working or exercising outside.
To combat this unhealthy air, UTA has implemented a no idling policy to reduce air pollution and increase fuel savings by eliminating unnecessary engine idling. The policy requires bus operators to turn off their engines when parked unless heat, air conditioning, or lights are required for operator and passenger safety. By following this protocol, less unhealthy ozone is created, reducing the build-up of additional smog.
UTA’s no idling policy means bus operators must turn off their engines when parked
Bus Washing
UTA is committed to keeping our fleet clean and in tip-top shape. One of the ways we do this is through regular washing, which uses a significant amount of water. Recycling efforts have been put in place to reuse this water as much as possible, reducing the amount of total water consumption; leaving more water for agricultural, urban, and industrial purposes; and preventing water pollution.
UTA recycles water used to wash busses, reducing water consumption
