FILE: UTA offers free ride to the Salt Lake City airport with a boarding pass until January 31, 2022. (UTA Headquarters in Salt Lake City. Credit: Paul Nelson)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — UTA announced Friday it would temporarily reduce service because of decreased ridership in the last month, likely due to people limiting travel to avoid spreading a virus.
Utah Transit Authority reports ridership has decreased in the following areas:
UTA will begin reducing service April 5, noting the “ongoing effort to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus while keeping riders and employees safe and ensuring fiscal responsibility,” according to a statement.
The public transit system said this will allow UTA to focus on providing critical resources to those who depend on the transportation for essential needs.
UTA will release a new ride schedule, though not to the public just yet. However, the agency expects for fixed bus routes to maintain regular hours on weekdays, adjusting the frequency from six minutes to 15 minutes — while also suspending some commuter bus routes.
UTA service on TRAX will go from every 15 minutes to every 30 minutes, while FrontRunner will adjust from every 30 minutes to once an hour.
On Saturdays, fixed bus routes will change from a 15 minute frequency to 30 minutes, while other bus routes will remain the same. Bus routes will remain the same on Sundays.
TRAX will extend frequency from 20 minutes to 30 minutes for both Saturday and Sunday.
The FrontRunner will maintain its Saturday schedule, and continue not to operate Sundays.
Despite the decreased ridership, UTA said it will continue its service as fewer customers means there’s a greater chance for social distancing.
“The safety of UTA’s riders, employees and community remains our top priority throughout this pandemic,” according to a statement. “UTA continues to follow the recommendations of health and safety experts. ”
The public transport company reports it has implemented additional cleaning and disinfecting measures to protect UTA riders against the spread of the virus.
“UTA advises riders to be mindful of others and practice social distancing on vehicles and at bus stops and rail platforms,” UTA said in a statement. “Anyone who is sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 is encouraged to stay home.”
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COVID-19 coronavirus is transmitted from person to person. It is a virus that is similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:
State of Utah: https://coronavirus.utah.gov/
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention