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In an unusual appearance before legislators, Utah Transit Authority officials pledged Tuesday to continue seeking reform to build public trust in their sometimes-controversial agency.

"Much has been accomplished. Much remains to be done," UTA Board Chairman H. David Burton told the House Transportation Commission. It is rare for anyone to appear before a committee except to testify on legislation.

The UTA appearance came after voters in Salt Lake and Utah counties in November voted down Proposition 1 to raise taxes for transportation. Most blamed the defeat on controversy at UTA over high executive pay and bonuses, extensive international travel and sweetheart deals with developers.

Prop 1 did pass in three counties in the UTA district — Weber, Davis and Tooele.

Burton told legislators that UTA has fixed most problems that led to past controversy, and is working on other reforms.

He said some high-paid executives — including its former CEO and former general counsel — recently left, and have been or will be replaced by people with salaries that consultants say are appropriate for the industry.

The board, at the suggestion of executives, will give no bonuses in 2016 or 2017 — and has limited them in the future to no more than $7,500, far less than the bonuses of up to $30,000 given in the past.

He said UTA also now requires board approval of any international travel. Jayme Blakesley, UTA's new general counsel, said it has complied with all recommendations in a 2014 legislative audit that complained about such situations, and some sweetheart deals with developers.

UTA also paid for full-page ads in Salt Lake City newspapers last month to make similar pledges about restoring public trust. It also has a web page that talks about its reforms at rideuta.com/trust.

Burton also said UTA has managed because of low fuel prices and recent efficiency to expand bus service in several areas. It is also in the process of working with officials in counties where Prop 1 passed to determine how to expand service there with new tax revenues.

Several legislators praised UTA leaders for pursuing reform.

"I deeply appreciate the courageous leadership that you've shown. You were thrown into a hornet's nest, in my opinion, and have done a fantastic job," Committee Chairman Johnny Anderson, R-Taylorsville, told Burton.

"I thank you and your board for the way you have handled the tough issues," Anderson said. "I'm encouraged by the progress you've shown on these important reforms."