'Free Fare February' a Huge Boost for Ridership in Utah

Early returns from Utah Transit Authority's fare-free transit experiment.

1 minute read

February 21, 2022, 6:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Salt Lake City, Utah

A Utah Transit Authority Traxx train arrives in Salt Lake City. | Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock

People like to ride transit when it's free, it seems.  

Writing for TownLift, Parker Malatesta reports that average weekday ridership on the Utah Transit Authoruty (UTA) system was up 20 percent in the first two weeks of February—a period coinciding with the system's "Free Fare February" promotion. "Saturday shows the largest increase at 34%, with Sunday ridership up 27%," adds Maletesta.

The most significant ridership increases are happening on the FrontRunner, a commuter rail system connecting Ogden to Provo. Ridership is up 163 percent on Saturday and 33 percent during the week, reports Malatesta.

All Utah Transit Authority (UTA) services are free until the end of the month. More ridership data can be found in the source article below.

Thursday, February 17, 2022 in TownLift

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Two yellow and white Dallas Area Rapid Transit light rail streetcars at station in Dallas, Texas.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region

At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

April 3, 2025 - KERA News

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

Aerial view of Spanish revival style buildings with red tile roofs in downtown Santa Barbara, California.

Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land

County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.

April 9 - The Santa Barbara Independent

Green and white interstate freeway signs pointing to Hayward and San Mateo and Half Moon Bay exits in Northern California.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project

The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

April 9 - Streetsblog San Francisco

Kingsbridge Armory, large hangar-like brick building in the Bronx, New York City with brick lower floors and glass/metal curved roof..

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard

After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.

April 9 - Shelterforce Magazine