UTA outlines fare contract programs, school passes and pricing approach

Jay Fox, executive director of the Utah Transit Authority, and Monica Howe, fares director, presented UTA’s fares contract program and a companion 22‑page report. UTA said contract fare programs (bulk purchases, educational passes, employer programs, human‑services passes, and event/bulk purchases) provide predictable revenue and have produced significant ridership benefits.

UTA highlighted the Salt Lake City School District partnership (where every student, faculty and staff member receives a pass), noting ridership increases and longer‑term transit use by students. UTA reported that total fare revenue is roughly $40 million and that fare contracts contribute to operational predictability. Pricing choices are driven by historical ridership, mode (regular vs. premium service), and a base fare assumption of $2.50; program discounts typically range from 40–60% for education programs depending on structure.

Committee members asked for contract-level ridership and price calculations for oversight and budgeting; UTA agreed to provide detailed ridership and contract pricing breakdowns to committee staff. UTA said it will begin a public process to consider a general fare rate increase (last changed in 2013).