That's the message the Utah Transit Authority and state Department of Transportation hope to get out to south Davis County residents.

Specifically, Utah's major people-movers want folks in certain fast-growth areas to sound off about their transit needs and preferences.

"This is our first opportunity to get feedback from the general public," said UTA spokesman Chad Saley, adding that the comment period will stay open until UTA and UDOT determine a locally preferred transit alternative. That process is expected to culminate by year's end.

According to UDOT's Web site, subcommittees from the various cities began meeting in February to define the purpose and need for mass transit in south Davis County.

Now, the agencies hope to get broad feedback - via an online survey - on transit modes, cost, ease of access and more.

Potential mass-transit vehicles fall into two categories - rail and bus. Rail could be streetcar, or light-rail or diesel-operated trains, while bus options include what are categorized as "traditional," "enhanced" and "rapid."

The survey asks participants to rate various factors in terms of importance. Factors include local trips vs. commuting, frequency of stops, costs to build, environmental considerations and ease of access.

Survey-takers also are asked to choose a preferred alignment for a new transit route, aimed at relieving congestion in the geographical choke point between the Great Salt Lake and the Wasatch range. The route would launch from Farmington Station on the north and would extend to service Salt Lake City's The Gateway Mall, City Creek Center and the Marmalade area on west Capitol Hill.

"The sooner people can respond the better we can gauge that public reaction," Saley said. "Any feedback we get will help the process."

The locally preferred alternative should be selected by year's end, Saley said.

cmckitrick@sltrib.com

Residents in six south Davis County cities - Bountiful, Centerville, Farmington, North Salt Lake, West Bountiful and Woods Cross - are being asked to provide feedback to state transportation agencies about preferred transit modes and alignments. More information about the study, along with a streamlined comment form, is available online at www.udot.utah.gov/southdavistransit/comment.htm. Those who prefer to comment by phone can call the South Davis Transit Study hot line, 888-721-4211.

People also can also print the forms, fill them out and mail to South Davis Transit Study, c/o H.W. Lochner, 310 E. 4500 South, Suite 600, Salt Lake City, UT 84107.