A new partnership between Salt Lake County Arts & Culture, ArtTix, and the Utah Transit Authority has launched a 'Ticket-as-Fare' program, allowing patrons to use event tickets as full transit passes. The initiative, which officially began August 1, 2026, is designed to help theatergoers skip traffic and parking hassles by providing direct public transit access to major cultural venues.
Seamless Transit for Theatergoers
Under the new program, an ArtTix ticket serves as both admission to a performance and a full-fare transit pass for the day of the event. This benefit applies to all ArtTix tickets for shows held at several Salt Lake County Arts & Culture venues, including Abravanel Hall, the Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre, the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Theater, the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center, and the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center.
To utilize the service, riders must present their paper or digital ticket—accessible via the ArtTix Wallet—to a bus driver or train host. The date printed on the ticket must match the date of travel. The program is valid for rides on all UTA buses, TRAX, FrontRunner, the S-Line streetcar, and UTA On Demand services, though it specifically excludes the Ski Bus and Paratransit.
Connecting Culture and Transit
Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson stated that the goal of the partnership is to ensure visitors have a high-quality experience from the moment they leave their homes until the performance concludes. Wilson noted that the initiative aims to eliminate the stress and expense associated with downtown parking, allowing patrons to focus on the cultural experience.
UTA Executive Director Jay Fox echoed these sentiments, noting that strong transit systems and thriving arts communities are interconnected. Fox said the partnership demonstrates how collaboration can create a better experience for patrons while connecting more people to the cultural destinations that make the region special.
Expanded Regional Event Access
The program's reach extends beyond Salt Lake County arts venues to include several other major regional events. According to UTA, all 2026 University of Utah on-campus sporting events are part of the Ticket As Fare program, with riders able to use the TRAX Red Line to reach Stadium Station or Fort Douglas Station.
Other upcoming Ticket As Fare events include the Ogden Twilight Concert Series at the Ogden Amphitheatre and the Salt Lake Twilight Concert Series at the Gallivan Center. For example, the Salt Lake Twilight Concert Series features artists such as Muna on August 4 and Goose on August 29. Additionally, the program covers specific religious events at Temple Square, such as the October General Conference scheduled for October 3-4.
Customizable Program for Organizers
The Ticket As Fare program is designed to be customizable for various event organizers. Organizations interested in becoming a Ticket As Fare venue can apply through UTA to see if their event qualifies. Typically, event holders pay a discounted rate to UTA for each ticket sold, and many organizations choose to incorporate this discounted transit cost into the total price of the event ticket.
For those whose events do not qualify for the full Ticket As Fare program, UTA offers the option to provide reduced-fare transit services to guests. This provides an additional layer of value to customers while addressing travel and parking concerns for large-scale gatherings.
Navigating to Venues
For commuters traveling to the Salt Lake County arts venues, UTA provides specific transit instructions to ensure ease of travel. The Capitol Theatre, the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, and the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Theater are all accessible via the Gallivan Plaza Station on the Green and Blue Lines.
Abravanel Hall is served by the Temple Square Station on the Green and Blue Lines. For those visiting the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center, UTA offers accessibility via bus routes 54 and 227. Travelers are encouraged to plan their trips using the UTA website to ensure a smooth journey to their performance.
Long-Term Cultural Impact
The partnership between Salt Lake County Arts & Culture and UTA is set to continue through April 2027 for the specified arts venues. By integrating transit access directly into the ticketing process, the program aims to foster deeper community connections and make the region's cultural destinations more accessible to a wider demographic of residents and visitors.
