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The Utah Transit Authority has decided to implement proposed, somewhat controversial changes to ski-bus service to Big Cottonwood and Little Cottonwood canyons, and even implement it a little earlier than planned.

UTA said Tuesday it will increase the frequency of ski buses in those canyons by shortening their current routes in the valley — including eliminating direct ski bus service from downtown Salt Lake City, which had concerned hotels there.

Skiers will need to take other existing rail or bus routes, or drive, to catch the ski buses near the canyons or at TRAX or FrontRunner stops in Murray, Midvale and Sandy.

The agency says such rearrangement of resources will increase the ski-bus trips in the canyons by 35 percent, and provide canyon service all day seven days a week — at 15-minute intervals at peak times, and every 30 minutes at other times.

UTA said the new schedules will help overcome problems with crowded ski buses, no midday bus service and inconsistent frequency.

It may also lead more skiers to park at TRAX and FrontRunner stations, which may help ease problems with limited parking at the canyon mouths.

The change was originally penciled in to occur on Dec. 18, one of three normal "change days" for its schedules. But UTA decided to move up the change to Dec. 2, depending on actual opening dates for resorts.

The agency said in a news release that beginning the service earlier ­— on weekends only — is in response to public comments that showed skiers wanted to ride the ski bus as soon as resorts opened.

It will announce the exact start dates as soon as opening dates are confirmed by resorts. Because dates have yet to be confirmed, it said it will not operate ski service on the upcoming Thanksgiving weekend.

Despite concerns about removing direct ski-bus service to downtown hotels, UTA also contends it will improve overall service to skiers who stay there by allowing them more schedule flexibility, including more easily allowing them to ski a half day, even if the trip may require some transfers with other buses or trains.

"This is part of UTA's efforts to increase service systemwide, wherever we can find ways to improve efficiency and make changes that have a positive effect on ridership," said UTA President and CEO Jerry Benson.