Bus Redesign and Fare Restructuring

Trent B Florence with UTA wishes to have this information published that has been approved concerning Utah Transit Authority's bus redesign proposal and the fare restructuring proposals. On May 23rd the UTA Board of Trustees approved an additional $1.5 million in bus service to the original Salt Lake County bus redesign. The money will be used to add nine additional bus routes, increasing the original redesign by 69 percent.

Proposed Routes can be accessed online. If your current route does not appear, this means that route will not be changed in August by the Salt Lake Bus Route Redesign.

On August 26th, The Utah Transit Authority will move to the next phase of transit improvements by changing the way its bus system operates in Salt Lake County.

The bus route redesign will mean better service for more people. The new bus system will provide greater frequency in high demand corridors with better connections to other buses as well as current and future TRAX lines. The new bus system supports UTA's effort to create the next generation transit system and meet the changing transportation needs and travel preferences of Utah’s growing population.

When implemented on August 26th, the new route system will consolidate the current route structure, making the bus system less confusing and easier to use. More routes will operate with 15 minute frequency, similar to TRAX, allowing passengers to board without needing to carry schedules. Other routes will be expanded to operate during peak demand hours by taking passengers from their suburban homes quickly and directly to downtown Salt Lake City.

Using the latest market data, UTA created services to meet the needs of the growing population and provide increased frequency in targeted high demand areas. The new services include buses that run on 15 and 30 minute frequencies and Fast Buses which bring Salt Lake County commuters directly into Salt Lake City and to the University of Utah. The most exciting change will be that buses will continue to operate at night with the same route and route numbers, rather than use the separate night routing system UTA currently has.

Today, UTA provides two routes in the Salt Lake area running 15 minute frequency. With the new system, UTA will have 12 unique 15 minute routes that mirror the current TRAX schedule.

With 30 minute frequency, these bus routes will easily connect with TRAX and the 15 minute core service. This service will run in less populated, suburban neighborhoods, connect urban cities, and provide night and weekend service where there is significant ridership demand.

Research indicated people living in the suburbs want a bus that will quickly take them downtown or to the University. The Fast Bus will do just that. Currently, this service is successfully running in some areas of the Salt Lake Valley. With the new system, communities will see greater frequency for longer periods of the day. Communities with Fast Bus currently see one or two routes per day. With the new bus route redesign, communities will see double and triple that frequency.

Originally proposed to the public last March, UTA began the largest public hearing process ever undertaken for bus route changes. UTA held 10 public hearings in communities throughout Salt Lake and Davis counties. In addition to these meetings, UTA received 3,000 comments from 2,700 citizens by phone, mail and e mail.

These comments resulted in UTA adding $1.5 million in bus service to the original redesign, changing 55 of the 80 proposed routes and adding nine routes not originally proposed.

The Utah Transit Authority began operating its Salt Lake bus system in 1970. It was modeled after the region's original trolley network. At that time, Salt Lake County had just over 77,000 residents. Today, Salt Lake County boasts nearly 1 million people. Despite this dramatic growth, the bus system has seen little change.

Growth in the region has spurred UTA to perform extensive market research over the last five years. Based on the research performed, UTA developed a bus system that meets the growing demands of the changing Salt Lake area.

Using methods successfully developed by international corporations, UTA and Cambridge Systematics conducted extensive demographic and psychographic research. The research revealed that Salt Lake County residents want a transit system that is reliable, flexible and timely.

The data revealed that 80 percent of the residents in Salt Lake County are willing to use UTA if the service met their needs. These needs include sensitivity to time, safety, stress and comfort. In addition, the public indicated they would use UTA if they felt it improved their productivity and met their schedules. Using this data, UTA has developed a system of bus routes in key corridors that will better meet their needs.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Are all of UTA’s bus routes changing?

All of the bus routes in Salt Lake County are changing to offer better service for more people. Many of the routes will follow the same route as before but will run at new frequencies. Some will have service on different days and during different hours of the day. Bus service in South Davis, Utah and Weber counties will not change and express buses to and from those counties will not change.

2. Is UTA cutting bus service?

The redesign uses the same operational budget that the previous system used. The new system will focus on offering better service where it is most needed. Some areas with low ridership may see reduced service in order to shift service to higher ridership corridors.

3. Will bus route names and numbers change?

Yes. All bus routes will have a new number and name. Local east/west corridor routes will be named after the street number they travel. For example, a bus running on 3300 South will be route number 33. East/west routes will be numbered 1-199. For local north/south corridor routes, the same numbering system will be used with a 2 in front of the street. For example, a bus running on 1300 East would be route number 213. These routes will be numbered 200-299. Buses that are part of UTA’s Fast Bus system will be numbered 300-399. Buses that are part of UTA’s inter county system will be numbered 400-499. Buses that are part of UTA’s community shuttles will be numbered 500-599. Buses that are part of UTA’s seasonal trips, such as ski bus service, will be numbered 900-999.

4. How do I find out the changes to my old route?

All of the routes are listed online. Information on route changes is also available by calling 1-888-RIDEUTA (743-3882).

5. When can I begin planning trips and picking up printed schedules?

Stop information and trip planning will be available on UTA’s website on July 27 at the latest. You can begin requesting printed schedules at UTA outlets on August 10. You will be able to pick up printed schedules at your normal locations beginning August 12.

6. How will the bus system connect with current and future FrontRunner and TRAX lines?

The bus redesign is meant to offer a bus system that supports existing and future rail lines but stands on its own as a viable transit alternative for passengers. Less than 10 percent of routes are expected to change as new rail lines are constructed.

7. How will the new bus routes work in downtown Salt Lake City?

A better defined downtown routing structure will be implemented in connection with the redesign. The concept creates predictable areas where multiple buses can serve and distribute passengers. Although there will be exceptions, routes coming into downtown from the west will serve 200 South at West Temple and routes coming from the east, Davis County and Utah County will serve 200 South at State Street .

Downtown construction will require that the implementation of this routing be delayed but any detours will mimic it as closely as possible.

8. Will there be a fare increase involved in the redesign?

A fare increase was approved by the UTA Board of Trustees to cover the increased cost of operating the transit system. The fare increase will begin July

9. Will the free fare zone change?

The elimination or restructuring of the downtown free fare zone is being considered. No decisions have been made and no timeline has been set for changes.

10. Will the bus stop signs change?

The actual bus stop sign will not change. The route identifier tags below the bus stop signs are changing because every bus route number will change.

Temporary signs are already going up around the UTA system alerting passengers that changes will occur. Currently, some of these signs say that a route will be serving the bus stop until August 25 and other bus routes will begin serving that bus stop on Aug. 26. If the sign is not completed, don’t worry. Changing the bus route ID tags is a multistage process that will be completed before August 26. The sign will be completed as UTA personnel first remove the old bus route ID tags and, second, return to the bus stop and put the new bus route ID tags on the bus stop sign. There are nearly 7,000 bus stops in the Salt Lake Valley and it is a large task to change them all. Please be patient as we move forward with the new route naming system.

Some bus stops will no longer be served. Signs will be posted indicating that the stop will not longer be served.

If you have questions about what bus will be visiting your bus stop, please call us at 1-888-RIDEUTA (743-3882).

11. Will the public schedule format change?

A new look for the public schedules is being considered to aid the customer in knowing if they are looking at an old bus schedule or new one. New schedules may also assist passengers in learning the bus system and making the system easier for new riders.

12. Is the bus redesign part of the recent referendum?

Proposition 3 in Salt Lake County and the Opinion Question in Utah County were approved by voters in November 2006. The approved referendum designated a sales tax increase for light rail and commuter rail lines and select road projects. The bus system is not impacted by the approval of funds for the rail projects and the bus redesign was not a consideration for either of the proposals.

Also, to let all of you know, according to Utah Para transit, due to the new bus redesigning, Para transit three quarter mile service will move into the second phase. Depending upon how your fixed route is currently scheduled, your three quarter mile may be tightened up beginning August 26, 2007. It may include no pickups earlier than 7:00 A.M. and no drop offs later than 7:00 P.M., Monday thru Friday. All Saturday and Sunday service may be done away with entirely, possibly by the end of the year 2007. This would depend on how route redesign is impacted by Para transit Services and by how much your route either remained the same or was changed. Something to think about; Those who work, might need to burden their friends for rides at times Para transit will not serve. The Utah Council of the Blind activities as well as other preference participation events would be impacted by schedule changes.

As far as fare restructuring concerns, here's the latest proposal.

UTA Board Adopts New Fare Structure, 05/23/2007

Salt Lake City Today, the Utah Transit Authority Board of Trustees unanimously adopted a new fare structure for the authority. The new structure establishes fares for UTA's FrontRunner commuter rail system and schedules general fare increases for the next three years. UTA held seven public hearings on the fare increase proposals and made changes to the original proposal based on public comment.

"We had proposed doing away with the unlimited monthly Para transit pass and replacing it with 30 and 60 trip passes," says John Inglish, UTA general manager. "After holding the public hearings and listening to our riders, we put the unlimited monthly pass back in the proposal. We kept the 30 trip pass because it gives our Para transit riders another option and a chance to save money if they don't need a monthly pass."

In addition to offering a discounted 30 trip coupon, the Para transit 10 trip coupon will continue to be discounted. The Para transit cash fare will remain at $2.05 this year and go up to $2.25 in 2008 and $2.50 in 2009. The general adult cash fare will rise from $1.50 to $1.60 on July 1, 2007, $1.75 in 2008 and $2 in 2009.

When FrontRunner opens in spring 2008 the base fare will start at $2.50 to travel from one station to another. The fare will increase $.50 for each additional station traveled, with a maximum fare of $5.50 to travel the 44 miles from Pleasant View to Salt Lake City. In 2009 the base fare will go up to $3.

UTA is also now accepting Horizon card payment for discounted adult monthly transit passes. Horizon card users who have a cash benefit on their card will be able to use their card to purchase monthly passes at a 10 percent discount.

Currently, the discount for Horizon cards is only available when purchasing passes directly from UTA Transit Information Centers located in Salt Lake City at 3600 South 700 West and 24 West 100 South, in Ogden at 2393 Wall Ave., and in Orem at 1145 South 750 East. The discount will be available at other pass sales outlets beginning July 1, 2007.

If you have any further questions please feel free to contact me.

Trent Florence

1601 Fox Park Drive, apt #10H

West Jordan, UT 84088

801-566-0833

trentflorence@comcast.net

Communications and Writing Workshops

On August 11, 2007, at 10:00 AM, we will be having a communications and listening workshop. Jae Heupel, an instructor from the Utah Career College will be speaking about how to listen to others, how to tell others about your feelings, active listening, and other like topics. There will also be one or two fun games which she will include in her presentation.

At the same time as the Communications Workshop, there will be a discussion group for sighted spouses of blind people. The discussion will be led by Chris Edwards. Again, that group is only for sighted spouses of blind people.

At 12:00 PM, we will be having lunch. The menu includes: sandwiches, chips, veggies, cookies, and a drink. Lunch costs three dollars. If you plan on being there for lunch, we must have your name and money by July 25, 2007.

After lunch, there will be a writing workshop from 12:45 to 2:30 p.m.. Jon and Ben Midget from Brushfire Press will be meeting with any prospective writers. Bring your finished works, works in progress, or just your listening ears to enjoy a couple of hours of critiquing or writers' tips.

The activity will be held at the Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, (DSBVI). Come join us for a day of fun.

Cab Coupon Information

As you are aware the UCB offers coupons to be used on cab services at a discount. A person who is blind or visually impaired can obtain up to $100 worth of coupons for $50, with a limit of $150 per household consisting of two or more blind individuals. This service is presently available in Logan with Cache Valley Cab service. Yellow Cab and Triangle Cab companies have offered their services for Ogden and the North end of Davis County. City Cab is now located in Layton. Wasatch Transportation serves South Davis County. City and Yellow Cab serve the Salt Lake Area. Yellow Cab serves the Provo area. Quality and Best Cab serve St. George.

You can obtain your cab coupons by mailing your check to UCB, c/o Elaine Hall, 1120 Topaz Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84116. Make your check to UCB for half the amount of cab service you wish. Remember to name the cab company you wish to use. You may also purchase your coupons at the Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired on Wednesdays from 3:30-6:00 p.m. Elaine can be contacted by calling (801) 328-9228. Extra coupons can be purchased for the same price the UCB receives. If this is a need ask Elaine about it. Those who abuse this program will be instantly terminated from the service. Coupons in the mail cannot be replaced. The UCB hopes this service will be of assistance.

Driver/Guide Program

The UCB offers members a special service for transportation. If you have a friend or a neighbor who will drive for you, they can receive reimbursement of mileage at $.40 a mile for up to 200 miles a month. The member is required to purchase coupons for this service by sending $.10 or a mile, or $20.00 at the beginning of the month to 1301 W. 500 S., Woods Cross, UT 84087. When the member receives the coupons he/she gives them to the driver and he/she can redeem them for the mileage reimbursement by sending them to the same address. Remember to request the form which the driver needs to fill out. This program is especially helpful for those needing a guide to shop, find a doctor's office or for those living in the rural areas where transportation is not available. Spouses will not be reimbursed.

New UCB President

Congratulations go to all the new members of the UCB Board of Directors. You will want to welcome Cindi Vega as the new president of the UCB. Cindi was elected at the recent UCB State Convention in May. She will take office July 1 of 2007. Joining her is Tammie Hansen as secretary, and Rod Bulloch from Utah County as a new member of the board. Mike Smith was elected for a second term. Thank you everyone for your willingness to serve. At this time we extend our warmest thanks to Bernece Stradley for her years of dedicated service as the President of the organization. Her leadership has been truly appreciated and has made a great deal of difference to the accomplishments of the UCB. Mr. Todd Stephens is also to be thanked profusely for his work as a member of the Board of Directors. These great folks will be missed.

UTA Update

There will be many people affected by the UTA changes. These need to be reported to the following Web Address www.fta.dot.gov/ada.

UTA is also holding an ADA celebration at the Meadowbrook office on July 9, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. It will last about an hour and refreshments will be served. Awards will be given to UTA riders for a variety of accomplishments. Everyone is invited.

Call Congress

If congress doesn’t act Medicare services could loose 40 billion dollars. That’s right! Please call congress at 1-888-434-6200 and let them know to stop Medicare physician cuts. This is important. Your voice is needed now.

Another issue that needs our attention; call congress at 1-202-225-3121 and ask them to support more funding for the National Library Services for the Blind. We need to try and insure funding for digital recording of talking books.

Paratransit Users Plan To Attend

Two very important public Hearings will take place on Saturday, July 14th, 2007 at the Meadowbrook office of UTA, 7th West and 3600 South. In the morning from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., and again in the afternoon from 1-3 p.m., the voices of the disabled need to be heard. There are serious issues to be discussed and your personal stories and experiences are needed to influence the outcome of what could happen. Some of your concerns were noted in the article above by Trent Florence. Please mark your calendar and make every effort to be in attendance, IT’S IMPORTANT. Call Grace Goff for additional information. She’s a member of the CAT committee. Her number is 706-2076. Another good resource is Sherry Repscher. She is the ADA compliance officer for UTA, her number is 287-3536.

Bountiful Roundabout

For anyone that might have an interest, many cities in Utah are putting in Roundabouts. This is a circular island situation that avoids signal light crossings. Cars circle an island and exit at the street they wish to commute on. This kind of traffic control is not ADA compliant because traffic does not stop. Communities can cut expenses by putting these in. This is becoming a national trend. Public hearings are publicized but many visually impaired individuals are not getting the word because they can’t read the ad. Your voices cannot be heard about the difficulty of maneuvering through these if you are not aware of a meeting. A roundabout is going to be under construction in Bountiful very soon at the intersection of 15th South and Main. What affect this will have on the UTA bus that travels that route is unknown. The schools in the area will see an adverse impact on their population. Let your concerns be heard. Voices do make a difference.

UCB Contact Information

Newsletter Submissions:

Linda Braithwaite, Editor

8 Hillside Ave., Unit 405

Salt Lake City, UT 84103

Telephone: 801-532-5443

e-mail: kitten87@sisna.com

(Submission deadlines are the 10th of each month unless specifically announced otherwise. E-mail or disk submissions are preferred, but submissions can be accepted typewritten, in Braille, or on cassette tape. No handwritten material, please.)

General Correspondance:

Utah Council of the Blind

1301 West 500 South

Woods Cross, UT 84087

Telephone: 801-292-1156

e-mail: lgertsch@comcast.net

Cab Coupons:

UCB

C/o Elaine Hall

1120 N. Topaz Dr.

Salt Lake City, UT 84116

(Coupons may also be purchased in person at the UCB office at DSBVI, 250 N. 1950 W., Salt Lake City, UT, from 3:30 until 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday afternoons.)

Board of Directors:

President: Cindi L. Vega 801-265-1916 vegal223@sisna.com

Vice President: Kira Larkin 801‑281-1993

Secretary: Tammie Hansen 801-265-3460 tammiehansen73@msn.com

Director: Rod Bullock 801-225-1835

Director: Belva Frandsen 801-566-4908

Director: Michael Lisle Smith 801-933-5827 lisle@att.net

Director: Cordie Weed 298-6330

Director: Grace Goff 801-706-2076

Director: Sandy England 801-282-1905

Thanks to:

Executive Director: Leslie H. Gertsch 801-292-1156 lgertsch@comcast.net

Diana Murphy, who maintains the membership database—contact her at 277-9365 if you move, need to change formats for the UCB Flier or the Braille Forum or for dues questions

Linda Collins for proofreading and recording

Anna Jeffery for distribution of the print Flier

Cordie Weed for duplication and distribution of the tape Flier

Leslie Gertsch for production and distribution of the Braille and disk Flier

Board Meetings:

Members are encouraged to attend board meetings, which are held the third Friday of each month, excluding July and December, at 5:00 p.m. at the Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 250 N. 1950 W., Salt Lake City, UT. Call the Utah Connection at 801-299-0670 or 800-273-4569 to check for occasional schedule changes or additional meeting announcements.

The UCB Flier is available in large print, Braille, cassette tape, computer disk, or MS Word e-mail attachment. For address changes or to receive your magazine in a different format, please use the general correspondence information above.

Utah Council of the Blind FREE MATTER

1301 W 500 S FOR THE BLIND

Woods Cross, UT 84087-2224 AND DISABLED