SALT LAKE CITY, UT — The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces a $62.8 million grant award to the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) to support a new bus rapid transit (BRT) route to provide fast, frequent public transportation in Salt Lake County, Utah. The Midvalley Express will improve accessibility, frequency, and connections, as well as encourage economic development near a regional mall, medical center, a community college, and other key activity centers.
"There is a reason why bus rapid transit is one of the fastest-growing ways to travel in the nation," former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said. "With the grant we're announcing ... for the Midvalley Express, more people in the Salt Lake region will have access to a dependable, affordable, and safe transportation option to get to work or school, visit a doctor, go shopping, and see loved ones."
The 7-mile, 15-station all-electric BRT line will connect to UTA commuter rail and light rail at either end of the line. The new BRT service will include 1.4 miles of bus-only lanes and priority at traffic signals, speeding riders on their way.
The Midvalley Express will run through several high and mid-density housing areas and connect to jobs, retail, and health care destinations. It will also stop at Salt Lake Community College, home to tens of thousands of students.
The BRT line will prepare the Salt Lake City region for the 2034 Olympic Games by providing a connection between Frontrunner commuter rail and the Maverik Center, a planned venue for the games.
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Federal support for the estimated $104.1 million project comes from FTA's Capital Investment Grants program, which helps communities carry out transit projects.
