If the transit agency cannot improve bus service, making it more reliable and more frequent, Utahns will never forsake their cars in large numbers for transit.
People who ride the UTA already sacrifice convenience in exchange for lower cost and freedom from driving. But people will give up only so much of their time waiting at a bus stop, often in bad weather, for a coach that is late or doesn't show up at all. If the service is poor or overpriced, most Utahns will never use it. It's not worth the trade-off.
Buses still are the backbone of the UTA system. Having focused on building TRAX light rail and the new Frontrunner heavy rail commuter system for a decade, the agency says it is now lavishing new attention and management talent on the bus system. That focus is evident in the redesign of the bus routes in Salt Lake and southern Davis counties, they say.
The new routes will go into effect Aug. 26. They have been modified after the first redesign proposal provoked an angry backlash from current customers at public hearings and in e-mail comments.
We are willing to give UTA the benefit of the doubt, at least until the new route system has time for a shakedown cruise and patrons figure out new routes, stops and schedules.
We are taking UTA officials at their word that the new system will provide better "fast-bus" service for suburban commuters, will tie better to TRAX and will boast more frequency on more routes.
UTA also is taking delivery of 60 new buses to replace old ones that reek of diesel fuel, foul the air with dangerous small particles and are so slow that they cannot run on time.
But we also believe that the transit agency should be on warning, not only about service but about price. In the face of public outcry, the agency retreated from some fare hikes for the poor and disabled, but it is increasing fares for everyone else. The adult cash fare will go from $1.50 to $1.60 July 1 and to $2 by 2009, monthly passes from $50 to $53.50 July 1 and to $67 by 2009. You can park a car downtown for that.
Taxpayers, who have approved two big sales-tax increases for UTA, and transit customers are ponying up more cash every day.
They have a right to expect UTA to deliver better bus service.
