Sandy residents who ride TRAX or local buses would pay 50 cents more per trip under a Utah Transit Authority proposal that takes public comment starting Monday, Aug. 10.

The base fare would rise from $2.50 to $3.00, a 20% increase and the first since 2013. UTA said the adjustment would take effect in 2027 if approved.

Three Sandy TRAX Blue Line stations (Historic Sandy, Sandy Expo and Sandy Civic Center) along with bus routes including Route 218 (Sandy–South Jordan) and the F94 Sandy Flex would all be affected.

UTA said in an Aug. 6 press release that the higher fare would help offset rising costs of operating, maintaining and expanding transit service across the region. TRAX carried approximately 13.28 million riders in 2025, averaging about 40,300 weekday boardings in the first quarter of 2026, according to the American Public Transportation Association. Sandy station-level ridership figures were not available.

The agency did not specify how the increase would affect multi-ride passes, reduced-fare programs or Eco Pass holders. Only the base fare was addressed.

Tap-to-pay coming too

Alongside the fare hike, UTA is proposing to add contactless tap-to-pay, letting riders pay with a credit card, debit card, smartphone or wearable device at the fare reader. Electronic payment is now limited to FAREPAY Cards, student passes and Eco passes.

UTA is also planning to add service on the S-Line Extension, under construction in the Sugar House area of Salt Lake City and scheduled to open in August 2027.

How to weigh in

The public comment window runs from Monday, Aug. 10 through Sept. 9. Comments must be received or postmarked by 5 p.m. on Sept. 9 to make the official record.

UTA will host a virtual public meeting on Aug. 26 at 5:30 p.m. The session will include an overview of proposed changes and time for questions. A recording will be posted afterward. Registration is available at rideuta.com.

Residents can also submit comments online at rideuta.com/feedback, by email to [email protected], by phone at 801-287-3888, or by mail to Utah Transit Authority, Attn: Hearing Officer Jolisha Branch, 669 W. 200 S., Salt Lake City, UT 84101.

Those needing accommodations for the Aug. 26 meeting, including sign language or language interpreters, must request them at least five working days in advance by calling 801-287-2444.

Sandy city officials had not publicly commented on the proposal as of Aug. 6. The Sept. 9 deadline is the last day for residents to get their feedback into the official record.