Salt Lake County Arts & Culture and the Utah Transit Authority launched a new partnership on August 1, 2026, allowing patrons to use event tickets as transit passes for UTA buses and trains. The Ticket-as-Fare program aims to simplify travel to cultural venues and sporting events by eliminating the need for separate transit fare on the day of a performance or game.
Streamlined Access to Arts Venues
Under the new program, visitors to several prominent Salt Lake County venues can skip traffic and parking challenges by using their event tickets for transit. The program is currently active for performances at 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. This initiative is scheduled to run through April 2027.
To utilize the benefit, passengers must present their same-day ArtTix digital or paper ticket to a bus driver or train host. The ticket must match the date of the transit ride. Each passenger is required to have their own individual event ticket to qualify for the free ride. UTA confirmed that the service is valid on TRAX, FrontRunner, the S-Line streetcar, regular buses, Express Bus, and UTA On Demand services. However, the program does not include Ski Bus or Paratransit services.
Connecting Transit and Culture
Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson stated that the partnership aims to create a seamless experience for visitors from the moment they leave their homes until the end of a performance. Wilson noted that the initiative is designed to eliminate the stress and expense associated with downtown parking, allowing patrons to focus on the cultural experience.
UTA Executive Director Jay Fox emphasized that the partnership connects people to experiences that enrich their lives. Fox said that strong transit systems and thriving arts communities go hand in hand and that the collaboration demonstrates how working together can improve the experience for patrons while connecting more people to the region's cultural destinations.
Sporting Events and Concert Series
The Ticket-as-Fare program extends beyond county arts venues to include several high-profile sporting and musical events. All 2026 University of Utah on-campus sporting events qualify for the program, with riders encouraged to use the TRAX Red Line to reach the Stadium Station or Fort Douglas Station.
Upcoming musical performances also include Zach Bryan's 'With Heaven On Tour' at Rice-Eccles Stadium on August 7, where riders can take the TRAX Red Line to Stadium Station. Additionally, the Ogden Twilight Concert Series at the Ogden Amphitheatre is participating, with upcoming dates including Wet Leg on August 5, Sofi Tukker on August 22, Mt. Joy on August 25, Lane 8 on September 18, and Big Thief on October 7.
Community and Religious Events
The Salt Lake Twilight Concert Series, hosted at the Gallivan Center, is also included in the program. Upcoming performances include Muna on August 4, Goose on August 29, and War on Drugs on October 1. Riders can reach the Gallivan Plaza Station via the UTA TRAX Red Line, Blue Line, or Green Line. For those traveling to the Civic Center for these concerts, the UTA TRAX Red Line or bus routes 4 and 4R are recommended.
LDS Church events held at Temple Square are also part of the program through the end of the year. Scheduled events include the October General Conference on October 3-4, Luz de las Naciones on November 6-7, the Bells Concert on November 20-21, and the Choir Christmas Concert from December 17-19. These events can be accessed via the TRAX Red Line or Blue Line to the Temple Square Station.
About ArtTix and Arts Culture
ArtTix, a service of Salt Lake County Arts & Culture, serves as the official ticket seller for the county's primary performing arts venues. The agency supports the local arts community through various programs, including the Zoo, Arts & Parks granting program, and dedicated professional support for local cultural spaces.
