Sandy TRAX and bus riders will pay nothing Friday, Oct. 16, through Sunday, Oct. 18. The Utah Transit Authority is suspending fare collection systemwide for a software and hardware upgrade.

UTA announced the zero-fare weekend in a press release Wednesday, Oct. 14. Riders do not need to tap a card or buy a ticket on any UTA service during the three-day window. Buses, TRAX light rail, FrontRunner commuter rail and UTA On Demand are all included.

The agency said it is modernizing fare collection software and hardware to give riders faster and more flexible payment options. The weekend follows a similar pause Sept. 18–20, when UTA also suspended fares for system work.

KSL 5 TV also reported the suspension.

After the upgrade, FAREPAY Card users will be able to sync and manage accounts online and at ticket vending machines. A fare-capping feature will let frequent riders save the more they ride. Separately, UTA said future upgrades will eventually let riders pay with credit and debit cards, mobile wallets and wearable devices, though no date has been set for those changes.

FAREPAY Card holders who manage their accounts online will need to act after the upgrade wraps up. Starting Monday, Oct. 19, customers should log on to the new system at farepay.rideuta.com to reset their password and update their security and payment information.

The suspension covers Sandy's TRAX Blue Line, which runs through the Sandy Civic Center station, and local bus routes. The Salt Lake Tribune reported in August that UTA plans to raise fares for the first time since 2013, a proposed hike that would apply to buses, TRAX, UTA On Demand and FrontRunner.

UTA said it will announce additional fare system upgrades on its website and social media as they occur.