Brijette Williams, Sustainability Outreach Coordinator, lives in the suburbs but works and goes to school in Salt Lake City. She commutes by public transit as much as possible because it makes her travel time feel “valuable and productive.”
Instead of getting stuck in traffic on I-15, she can check emails, make lists for the day, or unwind without the stress of being behind the wheel.
Choosing to swap your car trip for a transit trip can help improve air quality and mitigate summer ozone. It’s also a great way to participate in this month’s Clear the Air Challenge, which encourages us all to take fewer single-occupancy car trips.
Here are some reasons to consider taking transit more often and tips to get started.
The Clear the Air Challenge is a little more than halfway over. This month, we’ve been inspired to see more of our friends and colleagues carpooling, walking, biking, and taking public transit to get around Salt Lake City.
Transportation emissions cause nearly 50% of the pollutantsthatbecome trapped in our airshed during inversions, so finding ways to get out of the car makes a difference!
That also why Salt Lake City continues to invest in programs that make using transit easier and more affordable for residents.
In 2018, the City passed a sales tax and bond initiative called Funding our Future, with the goal of increasing funding to support public safety, street repair, better transit service, and greater housing opportunities.
A robust transit system is the backbone of a thriving community. It also supports the city’s goal of curbing carbon emissions and clearing the air, so we are grateful that Salt Lake City voters supported it!
After significant public outreach, the first phase of the transit expansion began in August 2019.
Three east-west UTA bus routes were enhanced to provide more transit, for more people, with more convenience and reliability.
What does “Frequent Transit Network” mean?
Very simply, it means buses that run every 15 minutes during peak times, with early-morning, later-night, and Sunday service. That means you can rely on these lines to get you where you need to go, on your schedule.
Critically, these lines also offer key east-west connectivity, which is an enhancement to the Salt Lake City transportation network. These routes are the 2, 9, and 21 routes.
Routes 2 (200 S), 9 (900 S), and 21 (2100 S) now provide:
Salt Lake City invites residents, commuters and business owners to help shape the City’s mobility future by participating in the development of the first Salt Lake City Transit Master Plan. The Transit Master Plan, to be developed through 2015, will be a guiding document for the City to improve public transportation services and amenities citywide. The City has officially launched SLCRides, an outreach campaign, led by the City’s Transportation Division, in coordination with the Utah Transit Authority, regional planning agencies and community stakeholders. SLCRides provides an opportunity for residents and visitors to help prepare goals and determine strategies for improving our public transportation system of buses and trains, transit related programs and passenger amenities. “Seeking thoughtful, efficient and sustainable solutions to our growing mobility needs is a central tenet of my 2016 Livability Agenda,” said Mayor Becker. “I look forward to hearing from the public as they help shape our transit plan to ensure a vibrant future for our City.” “By 2040, we expect 40,000 new residents and 20,000 new employees in Salt Lake City,” said Salt Lake City Transportation Division Director Robin Hutcheson. “Residents have already expressed a desire for improved transportation choices and, as we grow, we will continue to strive to be a first-class city when it comes to the availability of quality transportation options. Public transportation is a vital component of a healthy transportation network.” Salt Lake City residents, commuters and visitors are encouraged to learn more about transit and share their ideas by visiting the Transit Master Plan project website at slcrides.org. Upcoming opportunities to connect with SLCRides include:
SmartTrips Salt Lake City is a neighborhood-based program that encourages active and public transportation through collaborative community events, educational newsletters and free kits delivered by bicycle.
SmartTrips is modeled after similar efforts in Portland, Oregon and other communities, which have all successfully reduced vehicle trips and emissions among participants.
This year SmartTrips is visiting Sugar House and the neighborhoods along the recently launched S-Line streetcar. Learn more here: www.smarttripsslc.com.
Intern Learning Opportunities
Enjoy getting to know your neighborhood by bicycle? Want to support and work with local businesses to incentivize their customers to leave their cars at home? Looking for an outlet to write about air quality? Like collaborating with schools, libraries and local organizations on environmental education?
The opportunities for interns to get involved are many! We invite you to bring your own interests, skills and ideas to our team.
Requirements
Ideal candidates are passionate and knowledgeable about alternative transportation, sustainability, community organizing, and/or the Sugar House area.
We ask for a 15-25 hour per week commitment from May to August 2014. Know that there is opportunity to start as early as April or extend through September.
Be flexible to attend some SmartTrips events and bicycle deliveries that may occur in the evening and on weekends.
