UTA: Travel Made Simple

Carrie Bohnsack-Ware, UTA spokesperson talks about how you can save on your local traveling espenses and gives more information about the upcoming Green Festival.


If you’ve ever wondered the impact that mass transit really has on a community, here are some great statistics:

o In July, more than 3.5 million trips were taken on UTA, whether it was the bus, Trax, Front Runner or a vanpool, each of those trips means one less vehicle on the road.

o Estimates show that more than 38 million cars are taken off the road annually because of UTA’s services.

o 232 tons of air pollutants and 25,147 tons of CO2 are not placed into the atmosphere and breathed in by residents because of the people who use public transit.

These statistics show the benefit to the state as a whole, but what does mass transit mean to the average individual?

For the many people who commute to work, mass transit can save them money and time. Here is an example:

o Let’s say Bill lives in Layton and works in downtown Salt Lake City. His car averages 30 mpg, but he still spends about $60 per week to put gas in his car. In four weeks, he is spending $240. A monthly UTA pass, which includes Trax, busses and Front Runner costs $160. That is a $80 savings. Plus, rather than sitting in traffic, Bill can take a nap, read a book, or pull out a laptop and get a jump start on work. All of this while reducing the amount of pollution placed into the air.

o For those who come from the other end of the valley, using the same vehicle as Bill, Jane lives in Draper and works in downtown Salt Lake City. She spends about $60 every 9 days to put gas in her car. In the same four-week period, she spends about $190 per month for gas. The Adult monthly pass for unlimited travel on buses and Trax costs $66.50, which would allow her to ride the bus or Trax to work, read a book, get a jump-start on work or simply take a nap, rather than navigating traffic.

The monthly pass can also be used outside of the commute times. Use it to head to the movies, do some grocery shopping and head out to a bike trail. Each bus trip is another car off the road and more money in your pocketbook.

Come to the Utah Green Festival Saturday, September 6, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in West Jordan. UTA will be one of many organizations there that are helping Utah establish healthy and sustainable living. Come learn about mass transit, hybrid cars, solar panels for your home or business, gardening, and have fun with the whole family. Admission is free.

Visit www.conservationgardenpark.org for additional information about the event. For information about UTA, visit www.rideuta.com.


Utah Green Festival: Healthy and Sustainable Living for Utah

Saturday, Sept. 6, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

8215 South 1300 West, West Jordan, Utah 84088

Learn how to reduce your carbon footprint.

It’s a free, fun and educational event all about reducing your carbon footprint. You’ll learn about numerous resources for establishing a healthy and sustainable lifestyle, from hybrid cars to solar panels for your home. There will be experts, vendors and classes throughout the day, including entertainment, food, activities for kids and a climbing wall. Admission is free and door prizes will be given away throughout the day.

The Utah Green Festival will be held at the Conservation Garden Park at Jordan Valley, 8215 South 1300 West, in West Jordan. For additional information about the Utah Green Festival, visit www.ConservationGardenPark.com

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