SLC Mayoral Candidates Join Fray Over Bus Route Changes

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) At least five Salt Lake City mayoral candidates say they are sympathetic to the concerns of low-income bus riders upset over proposed route changes. At a forum organized by the Crossroads Urban Center yesterday, State Representative Ralph Becker said UTA has gone about the process backwards and hopes UTA will take citizen input "back to the drawing board" to create a new proposal.

Low-income advocates cheered Becker's comments, as well as the suggestion by businessman Keith Christensen to send smaller buses on routes with fewer riders, rather than cutting bus service or realigning the routes.

City Councilwoman Nancy Saxton says UTA's plan to divert more riders to TRAX and attract commuters does not address the needs of the system's core riders who rely on buses for daily routines. She proposes the city end its practice of allowing free parking during the holidays and spend the savings to lower bus fares and retain routes low-income residents rely on.

Mayoral candidates Jenny Wilson and J.P. Hughes also expressed support for low-income riders who have been vocal opponents of the proposed bus route changes.

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