SALT LAKE CITY (June 24, 2025) — The Utah Transit Authority today received the Outstanding Public Transportation System Award from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) in the system size category of 15 million to 50 million annual passenger trips. This is the top award in the North American transit industry.
“This achievement is shared by each employee, our customers, our partners, our contractors, and our supporters and taxpayer investors in this innovative state, who recognize the investment and value of having a world-class regional transportation system,” said UTA Executive Director Jay Fox. “To be recognized for UTA’s resilience and growth in service and ridership is something the whole state can be proud of.”
The recognition comes during a time of UTA’s ambitious service enhancements. In recent years, UTA has expanded high-frequency express routes and UTA On Demand transit zones and has prioritized innovation and customer experience. In 2024, UTA created a public-informed Five-Year Service Plan to add 9 million more service miles to the UTA system. In April 2025, UTA increased coverage by more than 100,000 service hours and 1.1 million service miles; added new bus routes, a UTA On Demand zone and 350 new stops; and improved frequency on existing routes. These enhancements came on the heels of 40 million boardings systemwide in 2024, a ridership increase of 15.5% in one year. UTA has recovered to 91.5% (98.5% on bus) of its pre-pandemic ridership and is ahead of the national ridership recovery average of 79%.
“The achievements and legacies of our awardees inspire us all to continue striving for excellence in our industry and to making a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals,” said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “Congratulations to all who have been recognized for their accomplishments and for making positive impacts in their communities and our industry.”
The official award will be presented at APTA’s national TRANSform Conference, Sept. 14-17, in Boston.
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