Until the potential rain and snow comes in for Christmas, weathermen are warning of temperature inversions that will bring smog and dirty fog to the valley.

Drivers are being asked on one of the busiest shopping weeks of the year to stop driving and keep pollutants down as much as possible.

For some people who still need to get around, the Utah Transit Authority is offering a Christmas present that can’t be passed up.

UTA, in partnership with the Utah State Legislature, the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, the Utah Clean Air Partnership and the Healthy Environment Alliance of Utah, will offer two Free Fare for Clean Air days on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The fare will be free on all UTA bus and rail services, as well as Ski Bus, paratransit, the Park City-SLC Connect, and UTA’s On Demand microtransit service in southwestern Salt Lake County and in Salt Lake City’s Westside. GREENBike is also offering a special promo code during the free fare days providing 24 hours of free service, according to Carl Arky, UTA spokesman.

“The Free Fare for Clean Air program is part of a data-driven effort to improve air quality along the Wasatch Front by helping encourage more people to consider using transit as an alternative to driving,” Arky said.

Funding for the Free Fare Days was made possible by House Bill 353, sponsored by Rep. Joel Briscoe, D-Salt Lake City, during the 2019 legislative session.

“The easiest way to plan your trip is by downloading the Transit app, available in the App Store or Google Play. You can also plan your trip with Google or view our maps and schedules,” Arky said.

Masks are still required on UTA in compliance with the current federal order from the Transportation Security Administration. Children under 2 years of age as well as employees and riders who have a medical condition preventing them from being able to wear a mask are exempt from the requirement.

The first Free Fair for Clean Air days as part of this program were held Aug. 12-13 and resulted in a 5% increase in bus ridership and a 12% increase in FrontRunner ridership, according to UTA data. New riders accounted for over 19% of trips taken, and 70% of survey respondents said they did not use a vehicle to reach transit.

Packages are allowed on UTA transit options, so shoppers can hop on the bus or train when they’re ready to head home.

For more information, visit rideuta.com/freefare or call UTA Customer Service at 801-RIDEUTA (801-743-3882) between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

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