Lehi, Highland, Cedar Hills and Alpine residents have until Oct. 26 to weigh in on UTA's proposed six-month budget for January through June 2027.

The Utah Transit Authority opened a public comment period on Sept. 23 for the spending plan. Comments are due by 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 26.

The budget covers a one-time transition period.

UTA is shifting from a calendar-year budget ending Dec. 31 to align with the state of Utah's fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2027.

Among the spending priorities: continued operation of the North Utah County microtransit zone, UTA's sixth On Demand service area. The zone, sponsored by Utah County and the Utah Department of Transportation, serves portions of Eagle Mountain, Saratoga Springs, Lehi, American Fork, Pleasant Grove, Lindon, Highland, Cedar Hills and Alpine.

That zone launched Aug. 16 and covers 77 square miles, connecting riders to the Lehi and American Fork FrontRunner stations, Primary Children's Hospital in Lehi and several area schools. Rides cost $2.50, the same as a standard UTA bus or rail fare. The service runs Monday through Saturday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

UTA partners with Via to operate the microtransit vehicles. During peak hours, some riders may receive a Lyft vehicle at no extra cost, KSL reported.

"Northern Utah County is one of the fastest-growing areas in our state, and this new service is an important step in ensuring transportation options keep pace with that growth," UTA Executive Director Jay Fox said Aug. 12 when the agency announced the zone's launch.

Systemwide, UTA On Demand ridership grew 13.6% in 2025 to 645,308 boardings, according to UTA's January 2026 annual report. The program has exceeded 2 million total riders since it began in 2019.

The proposed budget also supports continued preparation for the FrontRunner 2X project, a partnership with UDOT that will add 11 sections of double-tracking to increase capacity and frequency on the commuter rail line.

UTA will hold a public open house at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 26 in the Golden Spike Conference Room at UTA headquarters, 669 West 200 South, Salt Lake City. A public hearing before the UTA Transit Commission follows at 6 p.m. Remote viewing and comment options are available; residents must register in advance through UTA's budget page.

Comments can also be submitted online, by email to [email protected], by phone at 801-287-3888, or by mail to Jolisha Branch at Utah Transit Authority, 669 W. 200 S., Salt Lake City, UT 84101.