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Public transit buses may begin running this October between Salt Lake City and Park City.

The Utah Transit Authority, Park City and Park City/Summit County Transit are circulating between each other an interlocal agreement that would create a joint venture to allow the service. Spokesmen on all sides say they expect it to be approved soon, and that the bus service will begin in October.

UTA spokesman Gerry Carpenter said such bus service has been discussed for years. However, UTA was not allowed to offer service outside its district — where sales taxes generate about 80 percent of revenues, and fares bring only 20 percent. Park City and Summit County have their own transit service.

However, Sen. Jerry Stevenson, R-Layton, passed SB301 in the Legislature this year, which allows transit districts to offer joint service through an interlocal agreement, without one taking over the other. Park City and UTA have been working since then to find a way to offer a Salt Lake City to Park City route that connects into other transit in both areas.

Carpenter said UTA has buses it can contribute toward the new service.

"But the challenge is to have enough money to operate it. We can't take away service from somewhere else to add it," he said.

So Park City is considering making a "revenue guarantee" to pay for any operational costs not covered by fares, said Kent Cashel, transit/transportation manager for Park City. He said the City Council — which acts as the board of directors for the Park City transit district — is now considering that proposal.

"In the long run, we are confident that fares will generate enough revenue to cover it, and we have a business model that supports that," Cashel said. But, he adds, the revenue guarantee may be needed during start-up and test phases.

Carpenter said the need for that route to pay for itself will result in fares that are a bit higher than on other routes — estimated at about $5.50 for a one-way ticket. He said the most expensive routes for express buses now in the UTA system are about $5 one way.

Carpenter said the route also likely will not allow discounts or passes, and the $5.50-or-so charge would be firm on all trips for all customers.

Cashel said all Park City buses currently are free, and this would be the first route to charge a fare.

Research shows a demand for the service both from Park City residents wanting to commute daily to the University of Utah and downtown Salt Lake City, and by Salt Lake City residents wishing to commute to work or recreation at resort and shopping areas in Park City, Cashel said.

"So we believe that financially this can stand on its own legs."

Cashel said the route discussed would begin in Salt Lake City at its downtown intermodal hub; proceed up 200 South to the University of Utah; go on I-80 up Parleys Canyon; and have stops at Jeremy Ranch, Kimball Junction, the Canyons resort, Park City Mountain resort, the Old Town transit center and the Deer Valley resort.

Cashel and Carpenter said several buses in the morning and evening are envisioned in both directions. They said additional buses would likely be added during ski season — but commuters are the main target of the new service.

Buses to be used will be larger, coach-style buses now used on express and long-distance routes, Carpenter said.

He also said the initial service expected in October is seen as "a first step. We would like to start it out, try it, see how successful it is, and how much it will cost to run the service. It could be expanded as demand increases and funds are made available."

Cashel said, "We're just incredibly excited to link both the Wasatch Front and Back together with public transit. ... It will make public transportation much more viable."