The Utah Transit Authority plans to phase in new express service to Herriman, Sandy, Draper, West Jordan and Riverton, and will hold a series of public meetings from Wednesday through Jan. 12 to collect public comments on its proposals.

UTA also wants to hear reactions to plans to consolidate low-ridership routes with others that are more popular, eliminate midday service on some routes and do away with others considered redundant.

The proposals are part of a redesign plan in the works for three years. This phase focuses on service for previously untapped markets, said UTA spokesman Justin Jones.

The transit agency has determined untapped ridership in the county's southern end could be captured with the promise of limited-stop, high-speed service many Utah County commuters now enjoy. The express bus routes would use so-called over-the-road coaches, which have high-back padded seats, individual air conditioning and some laptop connections.

Jones said similar route redesigns in Utah and Weber counties led to ridership growth, especially in Utah County, where UTA ridership has increased 85 percent since 2000.

The hearings will be:

* Wednesday, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Draper City Hall, 12441 S. 900 East, Draper;

* Jan. 5, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., West Jordan City Hall, 8000 S. Redwood Road, West Jordan;

* Jan. 10, 5p.m. to 7 p.m., Riverton City Hall, 12830 S. Redwood Road, Riverton; and

* Jan. 12, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., UTA headquarters, 3600 S. 700 West, South Salt Lake.

- Patty Henetz