“This change is another step forward as UTA works to modernize and improve the customer experience,” said Jay Fox, UTA executive director. “As we standardize and streamline our fare payment system, customers see further savings and convenience through fare capping, automatic transfers, and easy ways to reload their Farepay Card.”

Reduced Fare customers are encouraged to visit UTA customer service locations in Ogden, Provo or Salt Lake City to learn more about the Reduced Fare program and obtain a free Farepay Card, while supplies lasts.

Customers unable to register in person can apply online for reduced fare at rideuta.com/reducedfare. Online applications include a $3 Farepay Card registration fee.

The UTA Farepay Card tracks customer rides on UTA and automatically applies daily and weekly fare capping to ensure customers always pay the lowest possible fare. The more customers ride, the more customers save with UTA fare capping. The transition to Farepay Cards is the latest step in UTA’s Fare Payment System Upgrades project to improve and simplify the fare payment process. This project includes the installation of new ticket vending machines, new tap on/tap off validators, and upgraded online fare payment tools. UTA’s fare system modernization program will continue throughout 2026 with the launch of debit and credit card payment capabilities later in the year.

— Utah Transit Authority

Utahns are invited to finish Walk250 challenge to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary

As the nation prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation this July, America250 Utah invites residents to grab their boots and hit the trails as part of the Walk250 challenge. Honoring Utah’s world-renowned landscapes one mile at a time, the challenge calls on Utahns to complete 250 miles of movement across the state’s 29 counties.

“This is an invitation for all of us — residents and families, natives and transplants — to renew our appreciation of the beauty of our state’s landscapes,” says Heidi Prokop, executive vice president and director of marketing, communications, and community relations for Zions Bank. “We are excited to work with America250 Utah to lead community programs that celebrate America’s founding.”

Signing up and tracking miles is easy.

Utahns can register at america250.utah.gov/walk250 and stop by their local state park, library, or Zions Bank branch to get started with a free sticker set, while supplies last.

Participants can track their miles and then submit mileage using an online form on the website. Participants can log their miles into the form for each mile or submit them all once. Miles can be counted from July 2025.

Participants will receive email newsletter updates with updates and encouragement to complete their miles.

To inspire exploration, some 100 trails across the state – from paved city paths to popular canyons – give participants plenty of options to be in Utah’s landscapes.

“With our partners, we have distributed nearly 25,000 sticker sets, which has resulted in thousands of registrations,” says Chris Abbott, associate director of America250 Utah. “Utah’s city and county leaders have joined in and launched locally-led programs that connect directly to the challenge.”

Local community opportunities await.

Some two dozen cities and towns across the state are participating in Walk250 with local fun runs and activities through recreation centers.

Examples include:

• 5k, 10k, and half marathon events;
• Featured trails and weekly walking events;
• Facebook challenges and online check lists.
• Utah’s Every Kid Outdoors initiative is empowering young people with an adventure passport with 14 challenges designed to foster a lifelong passion for the outdoors.
• Through a partnership with the Utah Division of State Parks, Wasatch Mountain State Park is challenging motorized and non-motorized users to explore more than 90 miles of trails within the park; information about America’s 250th anniversary has been added to the park’s Junior Ranger book.

Finishing earns special opportunities and a commemorative certificate.

Utahns who complete and register all 250 miles will be invited to participate in special recognition ceremonies and entered to win prizes.

• All finishers who complete their miles by May 30, 2026, will be eligible to walk as an athlete in the Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games, Presented by State Bank of Southern Utah, on Friday, June 5 in Cedar City.
• Finishers who complete their miles by July 1 will be eligible to enter to win an opportunity drawing for one of five weekend adventure getaways to further explore Utah.
• All Utahns who complete the 250 mile challenge by the end of the year will receive a commemorative certificate – a keepsake marking their participation in one of America’s most significant milestones.

“We are thrilled to welcome Walk250 finishers to participate in the Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games programming,” said Jon Oglesby, executive director of the Summer Games. “As we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Summer Games in 2026, we are excited to help promote the role of healthy lifestyles in our country’s longevity and future promise. We look forward to welcoming Utahns who finish this fun challenge to participate in one of the state’s long-standing summer traditions on the campus of Southern Utah University.”

Utahns can register, submit miles, and finish the Walk250 challenge at america250.utah.gov/walk250. All of America250 Utah’s initiatives are available at america250.utah.gov.

— Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement

Utah Humanities and the Utah Cultural Celebration Center open Voices & Votes: Democracy in America in West Valley as Part of America250

As part of the nationwide America250 commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, the Utah Cultural Celebration Center, in partnership with Utah Humanities, will host Voices & Votes: Democracy in America. This nationally recognized Smithsonian traveling exhibition explores the past, present, and future of American democracy and will travel to five communities around Utah over the next year. It starts the tour in West Valley City, where it will be on display from March 28 through May 30, 2026.

Voices & Votes: Democracy in America examines the bold American experiment of a government run by and for the people — highlighting the action, reaction, vision, and revision that democracy demands. Democracy is not static; it is shaped and reshaped by every generation, every election, and every time individuals choose to raise their voices.

From ballot boxes and meeting houses to streets and homes, this exhibition invites visitors to consider how democracy lives in everyday life.

The Voices & Votes: Democracy in America tour grand opening takes place Saturday, March 28 in West Valley City. The Grand Opening of the exhibition will be held from noon to 2 p.m. at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center, and will feature remarks from several special guests, along with craft activities from the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, and guided tours.

For more information about the free public programming connected to the exhibition’s stop in West Valley, see the Utah Cultural Celebration website at culturalcelebration.org.

— Utah Humanities

AAA: Jump at the pump as Utah average climbs 19 cents per gallon

The average for a gallon of regular gasoline in Utah has increased 19 cents to $2.97 since last week. Meanwhile, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline jumped nearly 27 cents since last week to $3.25. The conflict in the Middle East has sent crude oil prices higher to the mid $70/barrel range. The increase puts the national average at the same price as it was in early April of 2025.

“Gas prices typically climb during springtime as gasoline demand rises and summer-blend gasoline production begins,” said John Treanor, AAA Mountain West Group spokesperson. “The last time the national average made a similar weekly jump was back in March of 2022 during the start of the Russia/Ukraine conflict.”

Fuel Prices Around the State:

• Logan: $2.95
• Ogden: $2.95
• Provo-Orem: $2.97
• Salt Lake City: $2.96
• St. George: $2.99

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand decreased last week from 8.73 million b/d to 8.29 million. Total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 254.8 million barrels to 253.1 million. Gasoline production increased last week, averaging 9.3 million barrels per day.

Tips for Saving Gas

• Plan your trips: Map fuel-efficient routes using navigation apps to minimize unnecessary turnarounds and backtracking. Combine errands and avoid peak traffic times to reduce drive time.
• Avoid speeding: Fuel economy peaks at around 50 mph on most cars, then drops off as speeds increase. Driving the recommended speed limit can increase fuel economy between 7 and 14 percent.
• Avoid excessive idling: When idling, car engines use up to one-half gallons of fuel per hour. Warm engines take about 10 seconds worth of fuel to restart. Shut off your engine when stopped for more than a minute and if it’s safe to do so.
• Check tire pressure and align tires: Maintaining proper tire pressure reduces your tire’s friction with the road. Less friction means less energy is needed to move, resulting in using less gas. Proper inflation can improve gas mileage by 0.6 percent on average.

— AAA Mountain West Group