Commuters traveling to Salt Lake City’s west side now have a new alternative to get to their destination.
The Utah Transit Authority, in partnership with Salt Lake City, launched an on-demand transit service Monday that will serve the neighborhoods of Rose Park, Fairpark, Poplar Grove and Glendale.
The 12-month pilot project comes two years after UTA launched its on-demand service in southern Salt Lake County.
“It’s been exciting to see the growth and success of this innovative transit service in that area,” said UTA board of trustees Chair Carlton Christensen, “and to bring UTA on demand to another community.”
Similar to ride-hailing companies like Lyft and Uber, travelers will be able to hail a ride by downloading the “UTA on Demand” app on their phones. Once a ride is requested, a van driver is alerted and is matched with other riders heading in the same direction.
“This is an invaluable service that will enhance the lives of my neighbors,” said Salt Lake City Council member Victoria Petro-Eschler, who represents District 1. “West side residents are among the most diverse in the state.
“Our transportation options being diversified in similarly myriad ways is just an amazing thing.”
(Chris Samuels | The Salt Lake Tribune) Salt Lake City Councilmember Victoria Petro-Eschler speaks during a news conference announcing a new ride-sharing service in conjunction with Salt Lake City and the Utah Transit Authority for the city’s west side, Monday, Dec. 13, 2021.
If successful, Petro-Eschler added, the on-demand service could potentially replace underused bus services in the area.
New app users can get their first 10 rides for free until March 1. Otherwise, one-way trips will cost $2.50 each way. People over age 65, or individuals living with a disability, will be able to travel at a discounted rate of $1.25 per ride.
The service will operate from 4 a.m. to 12:15 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays. Rides are required to start and end within the service area.
