This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

The decision by the Utah Transit Authority to increase fares to among the country's highest highlights the fundamental lack of any real commitment to improving air quality in the Salt Lake Valley.

With the valley's geography being blamed by the state's politicians for the dangerous levels of air pollutants, we are advised to use more public transportation. The insincerity of this statement is highlighted by the upcoming fare increases.

Since the level of pollution in the Salt Lake air is now a national scandal, it seems irrelevant whether UTA's longer average rides justify higher fares. If it is going to make any meaningful difference to people's driving behavior and the air quality, public transportation needs to be accessible and affordable.

Chris Lang

Salt lake City