The Utah Transit Authority will implement a systemwide fare suspension from the start of service on Friday, September 18, through the end of service on Sunday, September 20, 2026. According to a September 15 announcement, the agency is pausing fare collection to upgrade the software and hardware used for its fare system.
During this three-day window, riders will not be required to use a ticket, pass, FAREPAY card, or fare validation. UTA senior public information officer Gavin Gustafson told the Standard-Examiner that the fare-free status applies to all services without exception.
KUTV reports that ticket vending machines will be in an out of sales mode and will not allow passengers to purchase tickets during this period. Services included in the zero-fare window are TRAX light rail, the FrontRunner commuter train, the S-Line Streetcar, Ski Bus, PC-SLC Connect, UTA On Demand, and Paratransit.
The agency chose a systemwide pause because the fare machines, cards, validators, and account tools are interconnected. UTA stated that this approach allows for efficient work and avoids intermittent outages or temporary changes for riders.
Once the upgrade is complete, UTA expects the new system to provide enhanced account security for lost or stolen cards, fare capping, and improved account management for both online and machine-based platforms. Future payment options are expected to include mobile wallets, debit cards, and credit cards.
The fare suspension is a temporary measure and not a permanent fare change. Fare collection is scheduled to resume on the upgraded system after the service window ends on Sunday, September 20, 2026.
