In a press release from UTA, it was noted that the budget process is changing somewhat.

“The Utah Transit Authority is inviting the public to provide feedback on its proposed budget for the first six months of 2027,” the release said. “The public comment period is now open and runs through October 26, giving community members an opportunity to review the proposed budget and provide input on UTA’s financial plan for the first half of 2027.

“UTA is transitioning from its former calendar-year budget, which ends December 31, 2026, to align its budget with the State of Utah’s fiscal year. Because the fiscal year begins July 1, 2027, UTA is proposing a six-month budget covering January through June 2027 during this transition.”

UTA Public Relations Coordinator Thomas Lee told the Standard-Examiner in an email Tuesday that the partial 2027 tentative budget is $504 million.

Among the main items in the press release is a goal of expanding sustainability.

“UTA helps communities thrive by expanding the regional transit system strategically and sustainably,” the release said. “Future investments are prioritized based on regional needs and available revenue, while recognizing that new service must have sustainable funding for ongoing operations and maintenance. The proposed budget supports continued preparation for several new services and projects.”

Among those sustainability projects is an “Ogden service package mobilization.”

Lee said, pending the response from the public, this could include several service upgrades for the Ogden area.

“All proposed service updates are subject to change based on public comment and adjustments to the final service plan,” he said. “The current proposal will improve connectivity to the broader UTA transit system and improves access to key Ogden destinations. The package modifies existing bus routes, adds a new On Demand Zone, and supports the construction of a new Mt. Ogden Facility.”

He said that, if approved, changes and additions to Ogden service referred to in the partial tentative budget would go into effect in April 2028 as part of UTA’s Spring Change Day.

The press release also makes mention of the FrontRunner 2X plan, touting it as a project supported through regional partnerships.

“FrontRunner 2X, a partnership with the Utah Department of Transportation, which will add 11 sections of double-tracking to increase capacity, frequency and reliability and make it easier for more people to connect to the regional transit system,” the release said.

In August, the Standard-Examiner reported that the FrontRunner 2X plan had entered into the engineering phase. Construction is tentatively expected to begin next year.

For more information on the partial 2027 tentative budget and to comment on it, visit https://www.rideuta.com/About-UTA/Utah-Transit-Authority-Budget. The public comment period will close Oct. 26.