Utah Code § 17B-2a-801 Title.
17B-2a-801. Title.
This part is known as the "Public Transit District Act."
Enacted by Chapter 329, 2007 General Session
Public Transit District Act
Utah Code tit. 17B, ch. 17B-2a, pt. 17B-2a-P8
in effectUtah Code § 17B-2a-802 Definitions.
17B-2a-802. Definitions.
As used in this part:
(1) "Affordable housing" means housing occupied or reserved for occupancy by households that meet certain gross household income requirements based on the area median income for households of the same size.
(a) "Affordable housing" may include housing occupied or reserved for occupancy by households that meet specific area median income targets or ranges of area median income targets.
(b) "Affordable housing" does not include housing occupied or reserved for occupancy by households with gross household incomes that are more than 60% of the area median income for households of the same size.
(2) "Appointing entity" means the person, county, unincorporated area of a county, or municipality appointing a member to a public transit district board of trustees or transit commission.
(3)
(a) "Chief executive officer" means a person appointed by the board of trustees of a small public transit district to serve as chief executive officer.
(b) "Chief executive officer" shall enjoy all the rights, duties, and responsibilities defined in Sections 17B-2a-810 and 17B-2a-811 and includes all rights, duties, and responsibilities assigned to the general manager but prescribed by the board of trustees to be fulfilled by the chief executive officer.
(4) "Confidential employee" means a person who, in the regular course of the person's duties:
(a) assists in and acts in a confidential capacity in relation to other persons who formulate, determine, and effectuate management policies regarding labor relations; or
(b) has authorized access to information relating to effectuating or reviewing the employer's collective bargaining policies.
(5) "Council of governments" means a decision-making body in each county composed of membership including the county governing body and the mayors of each municipality in the county.
(6) "Department" means the Department of Transportation created in Section 72-1-201.
(7) "Executive director" means a person appointed by the governor as described in Section 17B-2a-811.1 to serve as executive director of a large public transit district.
(8) "Fixed guideway" means the same as that term is defined in Section 59-12-102.
(9) "Fixed guideway capital development" means the same as that term is defined in Section 72-1-102.
(10)
(a) "General manager" means a person appointed by the board of trustees of a small public transit district to serve as general manager.
(b) "General manager" shall enjoy all the rights, duties, and responsibilities defined in Sections 17B-2a-810 and 17B-2a-811 prescribed by the board of trustees of a small public transit district.
(11) "Large public transit district" means a public transit district that provides public transit to an area that includes:
(a) more than 65% of the population of the state based on:
(i) the estimate of the Utah Population Committee created in Section 63C-20-103; or
(ii) if the Utah Population Committee estimate is not available for each county, municipality, and unincorporated area that comprise the district, the most recent official census or census estimate of the United States Bureau of the Census; and
(b) two or more counties.
(12)
(a) "Locally elected public official" means a person who holds an elected position with a county or municipality.
(b) "Locally elected public official" does not include a person who holds an elected position if the elected position is not with a county or municipality.
(13) "Managerial employee" means a person who is:
(a) engaged in executive and management functions; and
(b) charged with the responsibility of directing, overseeing, or implementing the effectuation of management policies and practices.
(14) "Metropolitan planning organization" means the same as that term is defined in Section 72-1-208.5.
(15) "Multicounty district" means a public transit district located in more than one county.
(16) "Operator" means a public entity or other person engaged in the transportation of passengers for hire.
(17)
(a) "Public transit" means regular, continuing, shared-ride, surface transportation services that are open to the general public or open to a segment of the general public defined by age, disability, or low income.
(b) "Public transit" does not include transportation services provided by:
(i) chartered bus;
(ii) sightseeing bus;
(iii) taxi;
(iv) school bus service;
(v) courtesy shuttle service for patrons of one or more specific establishments; or
(vi) intra-terminal or intra-facility shuttle services.
(18) "Public transit district" means a special district that provides public transit services.
(19) "Public transit innovation grant" means the same as that term is defined in Section 72-2-401.
(20) "Small public transit district" means any public transit district that is not a large public transit district.
(21) "Station area plan" means a plan developed and adopted by a municipality in accordance with Section 63N-23-104.
(22)
(a) "Supervisor" means a person who has authority, in the interest of the employer, to:
(i) hire, transfer, suspend, lay off, recall, promote, discharge, assign, reward, or discipline other employees; or
(ii) adjust another employee's grievance or recommend action to adjust another employee's grievance.
(b) "Supervisor" does not include a person whose exercise of the authority described in Subsection (22)(a):
(i) is of a merely routine or clerical nature; and
(ii) does not require the person to use independent judgment.
(23) "Transit facility" means a transit vehicle, transit station, depot, passenger loading or unloading zone, parking lot, or other facility:
(a) leased by or operated by or on behalf of a public transit district; and
(b) related to the public transit services provided by the district, including:
(i) railway or other right-of-way;
(ii) railway line; and
(iii) a reasonable area immediately adjacent to a designated stop on a route traveled by a transit vehicle.
(24) "Transit vehicle" means a passenger bus, coach, railcar, van, or other vehicle operated as public transportation by a public transit district.
(25) "Transit-oriented development" means a mixed use residential or commercial area that is designed to maximize access to public transit and includes the development of land owned by a large public transit district.
(26) "Transit-supportive development" means a mixed use residential or commercial area that is designed to maximize access to public transit and does not include the development of land owned by a large public transit district.
Amended by Chapter 486, 2026 General Session
Utah Code § 17B-2a-803 Provisions applicable to public transit districts.
17B-2a-803. Provisions applicable to public transit districts.
(1)
(a) Each public transit district is governed by and has the powers stated in:
(i) this part; and
(ii) except as provided in Subsection (1)(b), Chapter 1, Provisions Applicable to All Special Districts.
(b)
(i) Except for Sections 17B-1-301, 17B-1-311, and 17B-1-313, the following provisions do not apply to public transit districts:
(A) Chapter 1, Part 3, Board of Trustees; and
(B) Section 17B-2a-905.
(ii) A public transit district is not subject to Chapter 1, Part 6, Fiscal Procedures for Special Districts.
(2) This part applies only to public transit districts.
(3) A public transit district is not subject to the provisions of any other part of this chapter.
(4) If there is a conflict between a provision in Chapter 1, Provisions Applicable to All Special Districts, and a provision in this part, the provision in this part governs.
(5) The provisions of Subsection 53-3-202(3)(b) do not apply to a motor vehicle owned in whole or in part by a public transit district.
Amended by Chapter 15, 2023 General Session
Utah Code § 17B-2a-804 Additional public transit district powers.
17B-2a-804. Additional public transit district powers.
(1) In addition to the powers conferred on a public transit district under Section 17B-1-103, a public transit district may:
(a) provide a public transit system for the transportation of passengers and their incidental baggage;
(b) notwithstanding Subsection 17B-1-103(2)(g) and subject to Section 17B-2a-817, levy and collect property taxes only for the purpose of paying:
(i) principal and interest of bonded indebtedness of the public transit district; or
(ii) a final judgment against the public transit district if:
(A) the amount of the judgment exceeds the amount of any collectable insurance or indemnity policy; and
(B) the district is required by a final court order to levy a tax to pay the judgment;
(c) insure against:
(i) loss of revenues from damage to or destruction of some or all of a public transit system from any cause;
(ii) public liability;
(iii) property damage; or
(iv) any other type of event, act, or omission;
(d) subject to Section 72-1-203 pertaining to fixed guideway capital development within a large public transit district, acquire, contract for, lease, construct, own, operate, control, or use:
(i) a right-of-way, rail line, monorail, bus line, station, platform, switchyard, terminal, parking lot, or any other facility necessary or convenient for public transit service; or
(ii) any structure necessary for access by persons and vehicles;
(e)
(i) hire, lease, or contract for the supplying or management of a facility, operation, equipment, service, employee, or management staff of an operator; and
(ii) provide for a sublease or subcontract by the operator upon terms that are in the public interest;
(f) operate feeder bus lines and other feeder or ridesharing services as necessary;
(g) accept a grant, contribution, or loan, directly through the sale of securities or equipment trust certificates or otherwise, from the United States, or from a department, instrumentality, or agency of the United States;
(h) study and plan transit facilities in accordance with any legislation passed by Congress;
(i) cooperate with and enter into an agreement with the state or an agency of the state or otherwise contract to finance to establish transit facilities and equipment or to study or plan transit facilities;
(j) subject to Subsection 17B-2a-811.1(8), issue bonds as provided in and subject to Chapter 1, Part 11, Special District Bonds, to carry out the purposes of the district;
(k) from bond proceeds or any other available funds, reimburse the state or an agency of the state for an advance or contribution from the state or state agency;
(l) do anything necessary to avail itself of any aid, assistance, or cooperation available under federal law, including complying with labor standards and making arrangements for employees required by the United States or a department, instrumentality, or agency of the United States;
(m) sell or lease property;
(n) except as provided in Subsection (2)(b), assist in or operate transit-oriented or transit-supportive developments;
(o) subject to Subsections (2) and (3), establish, finance, participate as a limited partner or member in a development with limited liabilities in accordance with Subsection (1)(p), construct, improve, maintain, or operate transit facilities, equipment, and, in accordance with Subsection (3), transit-oriented developments or transit-supportive developments; and
(p) subject to the restrictions and requirements in Subsections (2) and (3), assist in a transit-oriented development or a transit-supportive development in connection with project area development as defined in Section 17C-1-102 by:
(i) investing in a project as a limited partner or a member, with limited liabilities; or
(ii) subordinating an ownership interest in real property owned by the public transit district.
(2)
(a) A public transit district may only assist in the development of areas under Subsection (1)(p) that have been approved by the board of trustees or transit commission, and in the manners described in Subsection (1)(p).
(b) A public transit district may not invest in a transit-oriented development or transit-supportive development as a limited partner or other limited liability entity under the provisions of Subsection (1)(p)(i), unless the partners, developer, or other investor in the entity, makes an equity contribution equal to no less than 25% of the appraised value of the property to be contributed by the public transit district.
(c)
(i) For transit-oriented development projects, a public transit district shall adopt transit-oriented development policies and guidelines that include provisions on affordable housing.
(ii) For transit-supportive development projects, a public transit district shall work with the metropolitan planning organization and city and county governments where the project is located to collaboratively seek to create joint plans for the areas within one-half mile of transit stations, including plans for affordable housing.
(d) A current board member of a public transit district or a transit commissioner to which the board member or transit commissioner is appointed may not have any interest in the transactions engaged in by the public transit district in accordance with Subsection (1)(p)(i) or (ii), except as may be required by the board member's or transit commissioner's fiduciary duty as a board member or transit commissioner.
(3) For any transit-oriented development or transit-supportive development authorized in this section, the public transit district shall:
(a) perform a cost-benefit analysis of the monetary investment and expenditures of the development, including effect on:
(i) service and ridership;
(ii) regional plans made by the metropolitan planning agency;
(iii) the local economy;
(iv) the environment and air quality;
(v) affordable housing; and
(vi) integration with other modes of transportation;
(b) provide evidence to the public of a quantifiable positive return on investment, including improvements to public transit service; and
(c) coordinate with the Department of Transportation in accordance with Section 72-1-203 pertaining to fixed guideway capital development and associated parking facilities within a station area plan for a transit oriented development within a large public transit district.
(4) For any fixed guideway capital development project with oversight by the Department of Transportation as described in Section 72-1-203, a large public transit district shall coordinate with the Department of Transportation in all aspects of the project, including planning, project development, outreach, programming, environmental studies and impact statements, impacts on public transit operations, and construction.
(5) A public transit district may participate in a transit-oriented development only if:
(a) for a transit-oriented development involving a municipality:
(i) the relevant municipality has developed and adopted a station area plan; and
(ii) the municipality is in compliance with Sections 10-21-201 and 10-21-202 regarding the inclusion of moderate income housing in the general plan and the required reporting requirements; or
(b) for a transit-oriented development involving property in an unincorporated area of a county, the county is in compliance with Sections 17-79-403 and 17-80-202 regarding inclusion of moderate income housing in the general plan and required reporting requirements.
(6) A public transit district may be funded from any combination of federal, state, local, or private funds.
(7) A public transit district may not acquire property by eminent domain.
Amended by Chapter 486, 2026 General Session
Utah Code § 17B-2a-805 Limitations on authority of a public transit district.
17B-2a-805. Limitations on authority of a public transit district.
(1) A public transit district may not exercise control over a transit facility or public transit service or system owned or operated inside or outside the district by a governmental entity unless, upon mutually agreeable terms, the governmental entity consents.
(2)
(a) A public transit district may not establish, directly or indirectly, a public transit service or system, or acquire a facility necessary or incidental to a public transit service or system, in a manner or form that diverts, lessens, or competes for the patronage or revenue of a preexisting system of a publicly or privately owned public carrier furnishing like service, unless the district obtains the consent of the publicly or privately owned carrier.
(b) A public transit district's maintenance and operation of an existing system that the district acquires from a publicly or privately owned public carrier may not be considered to be the establishment of a public transit service or system under this Subsection (2).
(c) A public transit district's introduction, maintenance, or operation of a system may not be considered to be the establishment of a public transit service or system under this Subsection (2) if the service or system is introduced, maintained, or operated by the public transit district:
(i) as part of a program of projects approved by the Federal Transit Administration;
(ii) in cooperation with the state or a political subdivision of the state, pursuant to an interlocal agreement; or
(iii) in accordance with Title 72, Chapter 12, Travel Reduction Act.
Amended by Chapter 146, 2011 General Session
Utah Code § 17B-2a-806 Authority of the state or an agency of the state with respect to a public transit district -- Counties and municipalities authorized to provide funds to public transit district -- Equitable allocation of resources within the public transit district.
17B-2a-806. Authority of the state or an agency of the state with respect to a public transit district -- Counties and municipalities authorized to provide funds to public transit district -- Equitable allocation of resources within the public transit district.
(1) The state or an agency of the state may:
(a) make public contributions to a public transit district as in the judgment of the Legislature or governing board of the agency are necessary or proper;
(b) authorize a public transit district to perform, or aid and assist a public transit district in performing, an activity that the state or agency is authorized by law to perform; or
(c) perform any action that the state agency is authorized by law to perform for the benefit of a public transit district.
(2)
(a) A county or municipality involved in the establishment and operation of a public transit district may provide funds necessary for the operation and maintenance of the district.
(b) A county's use of property tax funds to establish and operate a public transit district within any part of the county is a county purpose under Section 17-63-702.
(3)
(a) To allocate resources and funds for development and operation of a public transit district, whether received under this section or from other sources, and subject to Section 72-1-203 pertaining to fixed guideway capital development within a large public transit district, a public transit district may:
(i) give priority to public transit services that feed rail fixed guideway services; and
(ii) allocate funds according to population distribution within the public transit district.
(b) The comptroller of a public transit district shall report the criteria and data supporting the allocation of resources and funds in the statement required in Section 17B-2a-812.
Amended by Chapter 16, 2025 Special Session 1
Utah Code § 17B-2a-807 Small public transit district board of trustees -- Appointment -- Apportionment -- Qualifications -- Quorum -- Compensation -- Terms.
17B-2a-807. Small public transit district board of trustees -- Appointment -- Apportionment -- Qualifications -- Quorum -- Compensation -- Terms.
(1)
(a) For a small public transit district, the board of trustees shall consist of members appointed by the legislative bodies of each municipality, county, or unincorporated area within any county.
(b) The legislative bodies of each municipality, county, or unincorporated area within any county shall establish a governing ordinance for the small public transit district, which shall include:
(i) the method for apportioning representation on the board of trustees among the relevant municipalities, counties, or unincorporated areas of any counties within the boundary of the small public transit district;
(ii) subject to Subsection (1)(c), the number of members of the board of trustees;
(iii) the method for reapportionment of representation on the board of trustees based on changes in the boundary of the small public transit district; and
(iv) other aspects of appointment and apportionment of membership of the board of trustees as necessary.
(c) A board of trustees of a small public transit district may have membership of not less than five and not more than nine members.
(d) The board of trustees of a public transit district under this section may include a member that is a commissioner on the Transportation Commission created in Section 72-1-301 and appointed as provided in Subsection (8), who shall serve as a nonvoting, ex officio member.
(2) Upon the completion of an annexation to a public transit district under Chapter 1, Part 4, Annexation, membership on the board of trustees of the small public transit district shall reapportion membership as described in the governing ordinance enacted pursuant to Subsection (1)(b).
(3)
(a) Vacancies for members shall be filled by the official appointing the member creating the vacancy for the unexpired term, unless the official fails to fill the vacancy within 90 days.
(b) If the appointing official under Subsection (1) does not fill the vacancy within 90 days, the board of trustees of the small public transit district shall fill the vacancy.
(4)
(a) Each voting member may cast one vote on all questions, orders, resolutions, and ordinances coming before the board of trustees.
(b) A majority of all voting members of the board of trustees are a quorum for the transaction of business.
(c) The affirmative vote of a majority of all voting members present at any meeting at which a quorum was initially present shall be necessary and, except as otherwise provided, is sufficient to carry any order, resolution, ordinance, or proposition before the board of trustees.
(5) Each public transit district shall pay to each member per diem and travel expenses for meetings actually attended, in accordance with Section 11-55-103.
(6)
(a) Members of the initial board of trustees shall convene at the time and place fixed by the chief executive officer of the entity initiating the proceedings.
(b) The board of trustees shall elect from its voting membership a chair, vice chair, and secretary.
(c) The members elected under Subsection (6)(b) shall serve for a period of two years or until their successors shall be elected and qualified.
(d) A locally elected public official is not eligible to serve as the chair, vice chair, or secretary of the board of trustees.
(7)
(a) Except as otherwise authorized under Subsection (7)(b), at the time of a member's appointment or during a member's tenure in office, a member may not hold any employment, except as an independent contractor or locally elected public official, with a county or municipality within the district.
(b) A member appointed by a county or municipality may hold employment with the county or municipality if the employment is disclosed in writing and the public transit district board of trustees ratifies the appointment.
(8) The Transportation Commission created in Section 72-1-301 may appoint a commissioner of the Transportation Commission to serve on the board of trustees of a small public transit district as a nonvoting, ex officio member.
(9)
(a)
(i) Each member of the board of trustees of a public transit district is subject to recall at any time by the legislative body of the county or municipality from which the member is appointed.
(ii) Each recall of a board of trustees member shall be made in the same manner as the original appointment.
(iii) The legislative body recalling a board of trustees member shall provide written notice to the member being recalled.
(b) Upon providing written notice to the board of trustees, a member of the board may resign from the board of trustees.
(c) If a board member is recalled or resigns under this Subsection (9), the vacancy shall be filled as provided in Subsection (3).
Amended by Chapter 508, 2023 General Session
Utah Code § 17B-2a-807.3 Transit commission of a large public transit district -- Appointment -- Quorum -- Compensation -- Terms.
17B-2a-807.3. Transit commission of a large public transit district -- Appointment -- Quorum -- Compensation -- Terms.
(1)
(a) A large public transit district shall have a transit commission.
(b) For a large public transit district created as provided in this part on or before January 1, 2026, the structure and membership of the board of trustees may remain and serve as constituted as of January 1, 2026, until June 30, 2026.
(c) Beginning on July 1, 2026, a large public transit district shall be governed by a transit commission as provided in this section.
(d) A large public transit district shall provide severance pay and benefits through December 31, 2026, to each member of the board of trustees in place on June 30, 2026.
(2)
(a) A large public transit district shall be governed by a transit commission consisting of members appointed as follows:
(i) two members appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives, in consultation with public transit stakeholders from within the public transit district;
(ii) two members appointed by the president of the Senate, in consultation with public transit stakeholders from within the public transit district; and
(iii) three members appointed by the governor from nominations described in Subsection (2)(b).
(b)
(i)
(A) The councils of governments of Davis County and Weber County shall each nominate to the governor one or more candidates for transit commissioner.
(B) The Box Elder County legislative body and the chief executives of each municipality within the boundary of the large public transit district in Box Elder County, may jointly nominate one or more candidates for transit commissioner.
(C) The governor shall appoint, with advice and consent of the Senate, one candidate nominated as described in Subsection (2)(b)(i)(A) or (2)(b)(i)(B).
(ii)
(A) The council of governments of Utah County shall nominate to the governor one or more candidates for transit commissioner.
(B) The Tooele County legislative body and the chief executives of each municipality within the boundary of the large public transit district in Tooele County, may jointly nominate one or more candidates for transit commissioner.
(C) The governor shall appoint, with advice and consent of the Senate, one candidate nominated as described in Subsection (2)(b)(ii)(A) or (2)(b)(ii)(B).
(iii)
(A) The council of governments of Salt Lake County shall nominate to the governor one or more candidates for transit commissioner.
(B) The governor shall appoint, with advice and consent of the Senate, one candidate nominated as described in Subsection (2)(b)(iii)(A).
(iv) The nominations described in Subsections (2)(b)(i) through (iii) shall be made to the governor:
(A) for the initial terms beginning on July 1, 2026, on or before May 1, 2026; and
(B) for nominations after the initial nominations described in Subsection (2)(b)(iv)(A), within 30 days after the day on which notice is given by the executive director to the nominating entity of an upcoming vacancy on the transit commission.
(v)
(A) If a nominating body described in this Subsection (2)(b) fails to nominate an individual on or before the deadlines described in Subsection (2)(b)(iv), the governor may, with advice and consent of the Senate, appoint the transit commissioner.
(B) If the governor does not wish to appoint one or more candidates nominated as described in this Subsection (2)(b), the governor may request additional nominations.
(c) Beginning on July 1, 2026, and until June 30, 2027, the executive director of the department shall serve as a nonvoting, ex officio member of the transit commission.
(3)
(a) Except as provided in Subsections (3)(b) and (3)(c), each transit commissioner of a large public transit district shall serve for a term of four years.
(b) Each transit commissioner serves at the pleasure of the individual in the office that appointed the transit commissioner.
(c)
(i) A transit commissioner may serve an unlimited number of terms.
(ii) For members of the transit commission whose appointments begin on July 1, 2026, the transit commissioners shall serve an initial term as follows:
(A) the speaker of the House of Representatives shall designate one appointee as serving an initial term for three years, and one appointee as serving an initial term of four years;
(B) the president of the Senate shall designate one appointee as serving an initial term for three years, and one appointee as serving an initial term of four years; and
(C) the governor shall designate two appointees as serving an initial term for two years, and one appointee as serving an initial term of five years.
(d) Each transit commissioner:
(i) serves and represents the whole of the large public transit district; and
(ii) does not represent a specific geographic portion of the large public transit district.
(4)
(a) If a vacancy occurs, the nomination and appointment procedures to replace the individual shall occur in the same manner described in Subsection (2) as for the transit commissioner creating the vacancy.
(b) If a vacancy occurs on the transit commission of a large public transit district and the vacated seat is a transit commissioner nominated as described in Subsection (2)(b), the nominating body described in Subsection (2)(b) relevant for the vacancy shall nominate individuals for appointment by the governor as described in this section within 60 days after the date on which the vacancy occurs.
(c) If the respective nominating body described in Subsection (2)(b) does not nominate to fill the vacancy within 60 days, the governor shall, with the advice and consent of the Senate, appoint an individual to fill the vacancy.
(d) A replacement transit commissioner shall serve for the remainder of the unexpired term, but may serve an unlimited number of terms as provided in Subsection (3)(c)(i).
(5)
(a) The nominating and appointing individuals described in this section shall ensure that each individual nominated or appointed to the transit commission of a large public transit district has extensive experience in one or more of the following areas:
(i) public transit and mobility;
(ii) public finance and budgeting;
(iii) community development and engagement;
(iv) law, public policy, or public administration; or
(v) business management.
(b) An individual who holds an elected office is ineligible for nomination, appointment, or service on the transit commission.
(6) A member may not receive compensation or benefits for the member's service, but may receive per diem and local travel expenses in accordance with:
(a) Section 63A-3-106;
(b) Section 63A-3-107; and
(c) rules made by the Division of Finance in accordance with Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107.
(7) Any four members of the transit commission constitute a quorum.
(8)
(a) The governor shall designate one transit commissioner as chair.
(b) The transit commission may select one member as vice chair to act in the chair's absence.
(9) Each transit commissioner shall qualify by taking the constitutional oath of office.
(10) Each transit commissioner is subject to the conflict of interest provisions described in Title 63G, Chapter 24, Part 3, Conflicts of Interest.
(11) For the purposes of Section 63J-1-504, the transit commission is not considered an agency.
Enacted by Chapter 486, 2026 General Session
Utah Code § 17B-2a-808 Small public transit district board of trustees powers and duties -- Adoption of ordinances, resolutions, or orders -- Effective date of ordinances.
17B-2a-808. Small public transit district board of trustees powers and duties -- Adoption of ordinances, resolutions, or orders -- Effective date of ordinances.
(1) The powers and duties of a board of trustees of a small public transit district stated in this section are in addition to the powers and duties stated in Section 17B-1-301.
(2) The board of trustees of each small public transit district shall:
(a) appoint and fix the salary of a general manager, a chief executive officer, or both, as provided in Section 17B-2a-811;
(b) determine the transit facilities that the district should acquire or construct;
(c) supervise and regulate each transit facility that the district owns and operates, including:
(i) fixing rates, fares, rentals, and charges and any classifications of rates, fares, rentals, and charges; and
(ii) making and enforcing rules, regulations, contracts, practices, and schedules for or in connection with a transit facility that the district owns or controls;
(d) control the investment of all funds assigned to the district for investment, including funds:
(i) held as part of a district's retirement system; and
(ii) invested in accordance with the participating employees' designation or direction pursuant to an employee deferred compensation plan established and operated in compliance with Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code;
(e) invest all funds according to the procedures and requirements of Title 51, Chapter 7, State Money Management Act;
(f) if a custodian is appointed under Subsection (3)(d), pay the fees for the custodian's services from the interest earnings of the investment fund for which the custodian is appointed;
(g)
(i) cause an annual audit of all district books and accounts to be made by an independent certified public accountant;
(ii) as soon as practicable after the close of each fiscal year, submit to the chief administrative officer and legislative body of each county and municipality with territory within the district a financial report showing:
(A) the result of district operations during the preceding fiscal year; and
(B) the district's financial status on the final day of the fiscal year; and
(iii) supply copies of the report under Subsection (2)(g)(ii) to the general public upon request in a quantity that the board considers appropriate;
(h) report at least annually to the Transportation Commission created in Section 72-1-301 the district's short-term and strategic long-range transit plans, including the transit portions of applicable regional transportation plans adopted by a metropolitan planning organization established under 23 U.S.C. Sec. 134;
(i) direct the internal auditor appointed under Section 17B-2a-810 to conduct audits that the board of trustees determines to be the most critical to the success of the organization;
(j) hear audit reports for audits conducted in accordance with Subsection (2)(i); and
(k) provide to the Transportation and Infrastructure Appropriations Subcommittee an annual financial report in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
(3) A board of trustees of a public transit district may:
(a) subject to Subsection (5), make and pass ordinances, resolutions, and orders that are:
(i) not repugnant to the United States Constitution, the Utah Constitution, or the provisions of this part; and
(ii) necessary for:
(A) the government and management of the affairs of the district;
(B) the execution of district powers; and
(C) carrying into effect the provisions of this part;
(b) provide by resolution, under terms and conditions the board considers fit, for the payment of demands against the district without prior specific approval by the board, if the payment is:
(i) for a purpose for which the expenditure has been previously approved by the board;
(ii) in an amount no greater than the amount authorized; and
(iii) approved by the general manager or other officer or deputy as the board prescribes;
(c)
(i) hold public hearings and subpoena witnesses; and
(ii) appoint district officers to conduct a hearing and require the officers to make findings and conclusions and report them to the board; and
(d) appoint a custodian for the funds and securities under its control, subject to Subsection (2)(f).
(4) A member of the board of trustees of a public transit district or a hearing officer designated by the board may administer oaths and affirmations in a district investigation or proceeding.
(5)
(a) The vote of the board of trustees on each ordinance shall be by roll call vote with each affirmative and negative vote recorded.
(b)
(i) Subject to Subsection (5)(b)(ii), the board of trustees may adopt a resolution or order by voice vote.
(ii) The vote of the board of trustees on a resolution or order shall be by roll call vote if a member of the board so demands.
(c)
(i) Except as provided in Subsection (5)(c)(ii), the board of trustees of a public transit district may not adopt an ordinance unless it is:
(A) introduced at least a day before the board of trustees adopts it; or
(B) mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, to each member of the board of trustees at least five days before the day upon which the ordinance is presented for adoption.
(ii) Subsection (5)(c)(i) does not apply if the ordinance is adopted by a unanimous vote of all board members present at a meeting at which at least 3/4 of all board members are present.
(d) Each ordinance adopted by a public transit district's board of trustees shall take effect upon adoption, unless the ordinance provides otherwise.
Amended by Chapter 486, 2026 General Session
Utah Code § 17B-2a-808.1 Large public transit district transit commission powers and duties -- Adoption of ordinances, resolutions, or orders -- Effective date of ordinances.
17B-2a-808.1. Large public transit district transit commission powers and duties -- Adoption of ordinances, resolutions, or orders -- Effective date of ordinances.
(1) The powers and duties of the transit commission of a large public transit district stated in this section replace any powers and duties stated in Section 17B-1-301.
(2)
(a) The transit commission of each large public transit district shall, at least monthly, hold public meetings and receive public comment.
(b) The transit commission may conduct public meetings described in Subsection (2)(a) at various locations throughout the public transit district.
(3) The transit commission shall perform the following duties, which shall occur in a public meeting described in Subsection (2):
(a) approve an annual budget, which shall emphasize fiscal responsibility, increasing ridership, and maintaining a state of good repair;
(b) approve any interlocal agreement with a local jurisdiction;
(c) approve a strategic long-range transit plan for development and operations proposed by the executive director in accordance with Subsection 17B-2a-811.1(5)(b);
(d) vote on adoption of transit commission ordinances and bylaws; and
(e) review and recommend a proposal from the executive director for the issuance of a bond.
(4) The transit commission shall:
(a) in consultation with local stakeholders, work to establish and enhance transit infrastructure to provide cohesive and efficient public transit services throughout the service area of the large public transit district;
(b) cause an annual audit of all public transit district books and accounts to be made by an independent certified public accountant;
(c)
(i) as soon as practicable after the close of each fiscal year, submit to each county, municipality, council of governments, and metropolitan planning organization within the public transit district, and make available upon request, a financial report showing:
(A) the result of the transit district operations during the preceding fiscal year;
(B) an accounting of the expenditures of all local sales and use tax revenues generated under Title 59, Chapter 12, Part 22, Local Option Sales and Use Taxes for Transportation Act;
(C) the transit district's financial status on the final day of the fiscal year; and
(D) the transit district's progress and efforts to improve the transit district's fiscal outlook relative to the previous fiscal year; and
(ii) supply copies of the report under Subsection (4)(c)(i) to the general public upon request;
(d)
(i) direct the internal auditor appointed under Section 17B-2a-810 to conduct audits that the transit commission determines to be the most critical to the success of the organization;
(ii) if requested by the executive director, direct the internal auditor appointed under Section 17B-2a-810 to conduct an audit of an internal issue of the large public transit district; and
(iii) hear audit reports for audits conducted in accordance with this Subsection (4)(d);
(e) at least annually, engage with the safety and security team of the large public transit district to ensure coordination with local municipalities and counties;
(f) at least annually, engage with the relevant metropolitan planning organizations and other stakeholders;
(g) at least annually, for the commissioners nominated by the councils of government, engage with the councils of government about community and local needs, investments, and services;
(h) engage with elected officials or staff from municipalities and counties within the large public transit district; and
(i) consult with local officials and stakeholders:
(i) to review routes, service changes, and service improvements; and
(ii) regarding the approvals described in Subsections (3)(a) through (c).
(5) A transit commission of a large public transit district may:
(a) approve and pass ordinances, resolutions, and orders that are:
(i) not repugnant to the United States Constitution, the Utah Constitution, or the provisions of this part; and
(ii) necessary for:
(A) the governance of the affairs of the district; and
(B) carrying into effect the provisions of this part;
(b) provide by resolution, under terms and conditions the transit commission considers fit, for the payment of demands against the district without prior specific approval by the transit commission, if the payment is:
(i) for a purpose for which the expenditure has been previously approved by the transit commission;
(ii) in an amount no greater than the amount authorized; and
(iii) approved by the executive director or other officer or deputy as the transit commission prescribes; or
(c) appoint a custodian for the funds and securities under large public transit district control.
(6) A transit commissioner or a hearing officer designated by the transit commission may administer oaths and affirmations in a public transit district investigation or proceeding.
(7)
(a) The vote of the transit commission on each ordinance or resolution shall be by roll call vote with each affirmative and negative vote recorded.
(b) The transit commission may not adopt an ordinance unless the ordinance is introduced at least 48 hours before the transit commission adopts the ordinance.
(c) Each ordinance adopted by the transit commission shall take effect upon adoption, unless the ordinance provides otherwise.
Repealed and Re-enacted by Chapter 486, 2026 General Session
Utah Code § 17B-2a-809 Public transit districts to submit agendas and minutes of board meetings.
17B-2a-809. Public transit districts to submit agendas and minutes of board meetings.
(1) The board of trustees or transit commission of each public transit district shall submit to each constituent entity, as defined in Section 17B-1-701:
(a) a copy of the board or transit commission agenda and a notice of the location and time of the board or transit commission meeting within the same time frame provided to members of the board before the meeting; and
(b) a copy of the minutes of board meetings within five working days following approval of the minutes.
(2) The board may submit notices, agendas, and minutes by electronic mail if agreed to by the constituent entity as defined under Section 17B-1-701.
Amended by Chapter 486, 2026 General Session
Utah Code § 17B-2a-810 Officers of a public transit district.
17B-2a-810. Officers of a public transit district.
(1)
(a) The officers of a public transit district shall consist of:
(i) the members of the board of trustees or transit commission;
(ii) for a small public transit district, a chair and vice chair, appointed by the board of trustees, subject to Subsection (1)(c);
(iii) a secretary, appointed by the board of trustees or transit commission;
(iv)
(A) for a small public transit district, a general manager, appointed by the board of trustees as provided in Section 17B-2a-811, whose duties may be allocated by the board of trustees, at the board of trustees' discretion, to a chief executive officer, or both; or
(B) for a large public transit district, an executive director appointed by the governor as provided in Section 17B-2a-811.1;
(v) for a small public transit district, a chief executive officer appointed by the board of trustees, as provided in Section 17B-2a-811;
(vi) for a small public transit district, a general counsel, appointed by the board of trustees, subject to Subsection (1)(d);
(vii) a treasurer, appointed as provided in Section 17B-1-633, except that the treasurer of a large public transit district shall be appointed by the executive director;
(viii) a comptroller, appointed by the board of trustees, subject to Subsection (1)(e), except that the comptroller of a large public transit district shall be appointed by the executive director;
(ix) for a large public transit district, an internal auditor, appointed by the executive director, subject to Subsection (1)(f); and
(x) other officers, assistants, and deputies that the board of trustees or transit commission considers necessary.
(b) The board of trustees of a small public transit district may, at its discretion, appoint a president, who shall also be considered an officer of a public transit district.
(c) The district chair and vice chair of a small public transit district shall be members of the board of trustees.
(d) The person appointed as general counsel for a small public transit district shall:
(i) be admitted to practice law in the state; and
(ii) have been actively engaged in the practice of law for at least seven years next preceding the appointment.
(e) The person appointed as comptroller shall have been actively engaged in the practice of accounting for at least seven years next preceding the appointment.
(f) The person appointed as internal auditor shall be a licensed certified internal auditor or certified public accountant with at least five years experience in the auditing or public accounting profession, or the equivalent, before appointment.
(2)
(a) For a small public transit district, the district's general manager or chief executive officer, as the board prescribes, or for a large public transit district, the executive director, shall appoint all officers and employees not specified in Subsection (1).
(b) Each officer and employee appointed by the district's general manager or chief executive officer of a small public transit district, or the executive director of a large public transit district, serves at the pleasure of the appointing general manager, chief executive officer, or executive director.
(3) For a small public transit district, the board of trustees shall by ordinance or resolution fix the compensation of all district officers and employees, except as otherwise provided in this part.
(4)
(a) Each officer appointed by the board of trustees or transit commission, or by the district's general manager, chief executive officer, or executive director shall take the oath of office specified in Utah Constitution, Article IV, Section 10.
(b) Each oath under Subsection (4)(a) shall be subscribed and filed with the district secretary no later than 15 days after the commencement of the officer's term of office.
Amended by Chapter 486, 2026 General Session
Utah Code § 17B-2a-810.1 Attorney general as legal counsel for a large public transit district -- Large public transit district may sue and be sued.
17B-2a-810.1. Attorney general as legal counsel for a large public transit district -- Large public transit district may sue and be sued.
(1) In accordance with Title 67, Chapter 5, Attorney General, the Utah attorney general shall serve as legal counsel for a large public transit district.
(2) Sections 67-5-6 through 67-5-13 apply to representation of a large public transit district by the Utah attorney general.
(3) A large public transit district may sue, and it may be sued only on written contracts made by it or under its authority.
(4) In all matters requiring legal advice in the performance of the attorney general's duties and in the prosecution or defense of any action growing out of the performance of the attorney general's duties, the attorney general is the legal adviser of a large public transit district and shall perform any and all legal services required by the large public transit district.
(5) The attorney general shall aid in any investigation, hearing, or trial under the provisions of this part and institute and prosecute actions or proceedings for the enforcement of the provisions of the Constitution and statutes of this state or any rule or ordinance of the large public transit district affecting and related to public transit, persons, and property.
Amended by Chapter 517, 2024 General Session
Utah Code § 17B-2a-811 General manager or chief executive officer of a small public transit district.
17B-2a-811. General manager or chief executive officer of a small public transit district.
(1)
(a) The board of trustees of a small public transit district shall appoint a person as a general manager.
(b) The board of trustees of a small public transit district may, at its discretion, appoint a person as a chief executive officer.
(c) The board of trustees of a small public transit district shall allocate the responsibilities defined in Subsection (2) between the general manager and the chief executive officer, if the board of trustees appoints a chief executive officer.
(d) The chief executive officer shall have the same rights allocated to the general manager under Subsections (3) and (4).
(e) The appointment of a general manager, chief executive officer, or both, shall be by the affirmative vote of a majority of all members of the board of trustees.
(f) The board's appointment of a person as general manager, chief executive officer, or both, shall be based on the person's qualifications, with special reference to the person's actual experience in or knowledge of accepted practices with respect to the duties of the office.
(g) A person appointed as general manager or chief executive officer of a small public transit district is not required to be a resident of the state at the time of appointment.
(2) A general manager or chief executive officer of a small public transit district shall have the following responsibilities as allocated by the board of trustees:
(a) be a full-time officer and devote full time to the district's business;
(b) ensure that all district ordinances are enforced;
(c) prepare and submit to the board of trustees, as soon as practical but not less than 45 days after the end of each fiscal year, a complete report on the district's finances and administrative activities for the preceding year;
(d) keep the board of trustees advised as to the district's needs;
(e) prepare or cause to be prepared all plans and specifications for the construction of district works;
(f) cause to be installed and maintained a system of auditing and accounting that completely shows the district's financial condition at all times; and
(g) attend meetings of the board of trustees.
(3) A general manager of a small public transit district:
(a) serves at the pleasure of the board of trustees;
(b) holds office for an indefinite term;
(c) may be removed by the board of trustees upon the adoption of a resolution by the affirmative vote of a majority of all members of the board, subject to Subsection (5);
(d) has full charge of:
(i) the acquisition, construction, maintenance, and operation of district facilities; and
(ii) the administration of the district's business affairs;
(e) is entitled to participate in the deliberations of the board of trustees as to any matter before the board; and
(f) may not vote at a meeting of the board of trustees.
(4) The board of trustees may not reduce the general manager's salary below the amount fixed at the time of original appointment unless:
(a) the board adopts a resolution by a vote of a majority of all members; and
(b) if the general manager demands in writing, the board gives the general manager the opportunity to be publicly heard at a meeting of the board before the final vote on the resolution reducing the general manager's salary.
(5)
(a) Before adopting a resolution providing for a general manager's removal as provided in Subsection (3)(c), the board shall, if the manager makes a written demand:
(i) give the general manager a written statement of the reasons alleged for the general manager's removal; and
(ii) allow the general manager to be publicly heard at a meeting of the board of trustees.
(b) Notwithstanding Subsection (5)(a), the board of trustees of a public transit district may suspend a general manager from office pending and during a hearing under Subsection (5)(a)(ii).
(6) The action of a board of trustees suspending or removing a general manager or reducing the general manager's salary is final.
Amended by Chapter 424, 2018 General Session
Utah Code § 17B-2a-811.1 Executive director of a large public transit district -- Appointment -- Duties -- Reporting.
17B-2a-811.1. Executive director of a large public transit district -- Appointment -- Duties -- Reporting.
(1)
(a) The governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint an executive director for a large public transit district.
(b) The executive director of a large public transit district in place as of January 1, 2026, shall remain in place until:
(i) reappointed as described in Subsection (1)(a); or
(ii) replaced as described in Subsection (1)(a).
(2)
(a) Except as provided in Subsection (2)(b), the salary of the executive director shall be set as described in Section 67-22-2.
(b) For an executive director in place as of January 1, 2026, the salary and other terms of the executive director's employment contract in place as of January 31, 2026, shall remain in force until the expiration of the contract.
(c) After the expiration of the executive director's employment contract as described in Subsection (2)(b), the executive director is eligible to receive the same benefits as other executive employees of the large public transit district.
(3) The executive director manages and directs the operations of the large public transit district, with the primary and overarching mission to:
(a) provide efficient and cost effective public transit services;
(b) increase ridership;
(c) maintain a state of good repair; and
(d) reduce debt and maintain fiscal responsibility.
(4) The executive director:
(a) serves as a full-time officer and devotes full time to the district's business;
(b) serves at the pleasure of the governor;
(c) holds office for an indefinite term;
(d) ensures that all district ordinances are enforced;
(e) advises the transit commission regarding the needs of the district;
(f) ensures district compliance with state and federal requirements;
(g) attends meetings of the transit commission; and
(h) supervises and has supervisory authority over all employees of the large public transit district.
(5) The executive director shall:
(a)
(i) as described in Subsection (6), create and present the budget of the large public transit district to the transit commission for approval; and
(ii) provide notice of the proposed budget hearing and a copy of the proposed budget to the counties and municipalities within the large public transit district no later than 30 days before the hearing;
(b)
(i) at least as frequently as every four years, in consultation with the transit commission and relevant metropolitan planning organizations, develop a strategic long-range transit plan for the district that aligns with relevant transportation and public transit plans on time horizons of five, 10, and 20 years;
(ii) provide the proposed strategic long-range transit plan described in Subsection (5)(b)(i) to councils of government, counties, municipalities, and other relevant stakeholders for review and input; and
(iii) after considering input received under Subsection (5)(b)(ii), present the proposed strategic long-range transit plan described in Subsection (5)(b)(i) to the transit commission for approval;
(c)
(i) propose for transit commission approval any ordinances or bylaws with effect outside the transit district organization; and
(ii) develop and implement internal transit district policies;
(d) in consultation with the transit commission, create and annually report the public transit district's long-term financial plan to the State Finance Review Commission created in Section 63C-25-201;
(e)
(i) at least as frequently as every five years, perform a cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit study for each mode of public transit; and
(ii) develop goals for the large public transit district to achieve an effective balance of cost-effective and cost-beneficial services;
(f) subject to Section 72-1-203, in consultation with the transit commission, prepare plans and specifications for the construction of district works;
(g) cause to be installed and maintained a system of auditing and accounting that shows the district's financial condition at all times;
(h) notwithstanding Subsections 17B-1-301(2)(l) and (m), have charge of:
(i) the acquisition, construction, maintenance, and operation of public transit facilities; and
(ii) the administration of the public transit district's business affairs;
(i) approve contracts and overall property acquisitions and dispositions for transit-oriented development;
(j) create and pursue funding opportunities for transit capital and service initiatives to meet anticipated growth within the public transit district and in accordance with the strategic long-range transit plan;
(k) regulate each transit facility that the public transit district owns and operates, including:
(i) fix rates, rentals, charges and any classifications of rates, rentals, and charges;
(ii) fix fares; and
(iii) propose rules and approve contracts, practices, and schedules for or in connection with a transit facility that the district owns or controls;
(l) oversee the investment of all funds assigned to the district for investment, including funds:
(i) held as part of a district's retirement system; and
(ii) invested in accordance with the participating employees' designation or direction in accordance with an employee deferred compensation plan established and operated in compliance with Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code;
(m) if a custodian is appointed under Subsection 17B-2a-808.1(5)(c), pay the fees for the custodian's services from the interest earnings of the investment fund for which the custodian is appointed;
(n) ensure that the policies established by the public transit district meet state and federal regulatory requirements and federal grantee eligibility;
(o) coordinate with political subdivisions within the large public transit district and the department to coordinate public transit services provided by the large public transit district with pilot services related to public transit innovation grants; and
(p) require crime insurance for district officers and employees charged with the handling of district funds in an amount set by the commission.
(6)
(a) The executive director shall prepare and submit to the transit commission an annual operating budget no later than 60 days before the beginning of each fiscal year.
(b) The budget shall include:
(i) estimated revenues from all sources;
(ii) proposed expenditures for all programs, operations, and administrative functions, including:
(A) personnel and overhead costs;
(B) new construction and improvement projects;
(C) operation costs;
(D) maintenance and state of good repair of the public transit system; and
(E) capital expenditures, including vehicle purchases;
(iii) an explanation of significant changes from the budget of the prior fiscal year; and
(iv) other information as requested by the transit commission.
(c)
(i) The transit commission shall review the proposed budget and may conduct hearings and request such additional information as the transit commission considers necessary.
(ii) The budget becomes effective only upon approval by the transit commission.
(iii) If the budget is not approved before the beginning of the fiscal year, the executive director shall operate under the previous year's budget until a new budget is approved.
(d)
(i) The executive director may not make or authorize expenditures that result in a material deviation from the approved budget without prior approval of the transit commission.
(ii) For purposes of this Subsection (6), a "material deviation" means:
(A) a single expenditure or group of related expenditures exceeding 10% of any major expense budget line item;
(B) a reallocation of funds between major budget categories exceeding 15% of the affected expense category; or
(C) an expenditure that would cause total organizational spending to exceed the approved budget by more than 5%.
(iii) The executive director shall request a budget amendment in writing to the transit commission with:
(A) an explanation of the necessity for the deviation; and
(B) the deviation's anticipated impact on the transit district's operations and financial position.
(iv) The executive director may approve minor adjustments within budget categories that do not constitute material deviations, if total expenditures do not exceed the approved budget.
(e)
(i) The budget shall include a comprehensive ten-year budget projection and financial forecast.
(ii) The ten-year budget projection and financial forecast shall include:
(A) projected revenues by source, including farebox revenue, sales tax receipts, federal grants, state contributions, contributions from local governments, and other operating income;
(B) projected operating and capital expenditures, including personnel costs, fleet maintenance and replacement, fuel and energy costs, facilities maintenance, and debt service;
(C) anticipated ridership trends and service level assumptions;
(D) financial forecast balance sheets showing projected assets, liabilities, and fund balances;
(E) projected status of indebtedness and bond payoffs;
(F) material assumptions, including inflation rates, wage adjustments, fuel price projections, and anticipated changes in federal or state funding; and
(G) identified risks to financial sustainability and proposed mitigation strategies.
(f) The executive director shall provide quarterly financial reports to the transit commission comparing actual revenues and expenditures to the approved budget and explaining any variances.
(7)
(a) The executive director shall present to the transit commission in a public meeting a proposed contract for reduced-fare, ticket-as-fare, or other fare event contracts.
(b) The executive director shall provide information about:
(i) the benefits of the reduced-fare, ticket-as-fare, or other fare event proposal; and
(ii) the impacts of the reduced-fare, ticket-as-fare, or other fare event proposal on the budget of the transit district.
(c) A contract for reduced-fare, ticket-as-fare, or other fare event is subject to approval by the transit commission.
(8)
(a) The executive director may propose the issuance of a bond.
(b) A bond proposed by the executive director may not be issued unless:
(i) the bond is reviewed and recommended by the transit commission; and
(ii) approved by the State Finance Review Commission created in Section 63C-25-201.
(9) The executive director shall annually prepare and provide to the transit commission and the Transportation Interim Committee:
(a) a report regarding fare contracts and transit pass programs, including:
(i) information about institutional contracts as well as reduced-fare, ticket-as-fare, or other fare event contracts;
(ii) contribution levels from both the large public transit district and each relevant institution or party;
(iii) projected and observed benefits and costs and return on investment of the proposed contract, including increased ridership, traffic congestion reduction, operational and customer safety, and net financial gain of the large public transit district; and
(iv) other relevant data used to determine that the contract is in the public's transportation interest;
(b) a report of the public transit district's efforts to engage in public-private partnerships for public transit services; and
(c) a financial report in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
(10) The executive director shall annually report the public transit district's progress and expenditures related to state resources to the Executive Appropriations Committee and the Transportation and Infrastructure Appropriations Subcommittee.
(11)
(a) At least every two years, the executive director shall provide a report to the transit commission and provide an accounting of:
(i) the amount of revenue from local option sales and use taxes under this part that was collected within each respective county, city, or town and allocated to the large public transit district as provided in this part;
(ii) how much revenue described in Subsection (11)(a)(i) was allocated to provide public transit services utilized by residents of each county, city, and town;
(iii) how the revenue described in Subsection (11)(a)(i) was spent to provide public transit services utilized by residents of each respective county, city, and town; and
(iv) the ridership of all transit services.
(b) After providing the report described in Subsection (11)(a), the executive director shall provide the report to each county, city, and town within the boundary of the large public transit district.
(c) To provide the report described in this Subsection (11), the executive director may coordinate with the Department of Transportation to report on relevant public transit capital development projects administered by the Department of Transportation.
(12) The executive director shall report at least annually to the Transportation Commission created in Section 72-1-301, including:
(a) the district's short-term and strategic long-range transit plans, including the portions of applicable regional transportation plans adopted by a metropolitan planning organization established under 23 U.S.C. Sec. 134; and
(b) any fixed guideway capital development projects that the executive director would like the Transportation Commission to consider.
(13) The executive director or the executive director's designee shall engage:
(a) with elected officials or staff from the relevant metropolitan planning organizations, councils of government, counties, and municipalities within the large public transit district; and
(b) at least annually with elected officials or staff from any county or municipality that provides direct financial contributions for transit district operations, including expanded service or other similar proposals.
Repealed and Re-enacted by Chapter 486, 2026 General Session
Utah Code § 17B-2a-812 Comptroller required to provide statement of revenues and expenditures.
17B-2a-812. Comptroller required to provide statement of revenues and expenditures.
The comptroller of each public transit district shall, as soon as possible after the close of each fiscal year:
(1) prepare a statement of revenues and expenditures for the fiscal year just ended, in the detail that the board of trustees or transit commission prescribes; and
(2) transmit a copy of the statement to the chief executive officer of:
(a) each municipality within the district; and
(b) each county with unincorporated area within the district.
Amended by Chapter 486, 2026 General Session
Utah Code § 17B-2a-813 Rights, benefits, and protective conditions for employees of a public transit district -- Strike prohibited -- Employees of an acquired transit system.
17B-2a-813. Rights, benefits, and protective conditions for employees of a public transit district -- Strike prohibited -- Employees of an acquired transit system.
(1) As used in this section:
(a)
(i) "Employee" means an individual employed by an employer.
(ii) "Employee" does not include a person employed as a supervisor, managerial employee, or confidential employee.
(b) "Employer" means a person that employs an employee.
(2) The rights, benefits, and other employee protective conditions and remedies of Section 13(c) of the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964, 49 U.S.C. Sec. 5333(b), as determined by the Secretary of Labor, apply to a public transit district's establishment and operation of a public transit service or system.
(3)
(a) Employees of a public transit system established and operated by a public transit district have the right to:
(i) self-organization;
(ii) form, join, or assist labor organizations; and
(iii) bargain collectively through representatives of their own choosing.
(b) Employees of a public transit district and labor organizations may not join in a strike against the public transit system operated by the public transit district.
(c) Each public transit district shall:
(i) recognize and bargain exclusively with any labor organization representing a majority of the district's employees in an appropriate unit with respect to wages, salaries, hours, working conditions, and welfare, pension, and retirement provisions; and
(ii) upon reaching agreement with the labor organization, enter into and execute a written contract incorporating the agreement.
(4) If a public transit district acquires an existing public transit system:
(a) all employees of the acquired system who are necessary for the operation of the acquired system, except executive and administrative officers and employees, shall be:
(i) transferred to and appointed employees of the acquiring public transit district; and
(ii) given sick leave, seniority, vacation, and pension or retirement credits in accordance with the acquired system's records;
(b) members and beneficiaries of a pension or retirement plan or other program of benefits that the acquired system has established shall continue to have rights, privileges, benefits, obligations, and status with respect to that established plan or program; and
(c) the public transit district may establish, amend, or modify, by agreement with employees or their authorized representatives, the terms, conditions, and provisions of a pension or retirement plan or of an amendment or modification of a pension or retirement plan.
(5) A pension administrator for a retirement plan sponsored by a public transit district or a person designated by the administrator shall maintain retirement records in accordance with Subsection 49-11-618(2).
Amended by Chapter 476, 2023 General Session
Utah Code § 17B-2a-814 Public transit district trustees, officers, and employees subject to Utah Public Officers' and Employees' Ethics Act.
17B-2a-814. Public transit district trustees, officers, and employees subject to Utah Public Officers' and Employees' Ethics Act.
Each trustee, officer, and employee of a public transit district is subject to the provisions of Title 67, Chapter 16, Utah Public Officers' and Employees' Ethics Act.
Amended by Chapter 223, 2011 General Session
Utah Code § 17B-2a-815 Rates and charges for service -- Fare collection information private.
17B-2a-815. Rates and charges for service -- Fare collection information private.
(1) The board of trustees of a small public transit district, or the executive director of a large public transit district, shall fix rates and charges for service provided by the district by a two-thirds vote of all board members.
(2) Rates and charges shall:
(a) be reasonable; and
(b) to the extent practicable:
(i) result in enough revenue to make the public transit system self supporting; and
(ii) be sufficient to:
(A) pay for district operating expenses;
(B) provide for repairs, maintenance, and depreciation of works and property that the district owns or operates;
(C) provide for the purchase, lease, or acquisition of property and equipment;
(D) pay the interest and principal of bonds that the district issues; and
(E) pay for contracts, agreements, leases, and other legal liabilities that the district incurs.
(3)
(a) In accordance with Section 63G-2-302, the following personal information received by the district from a customer through any debit, credit, or electronic fare payment process is a private record under Title 63G, Chapter 2, Government Records Access and Management Act:
(i) travel data, including:
(A) the identity of the purchasing individual or entity;
(B) travel dates, times, or frequency of use; and
(C) locations of use;
(ii) service type or vehicle identification used by the customer;
(iii) the unique transit pass identifier assigned to the customer; or
(iv) customer account information, including the cardholder's name, the credit or debit card number, the card issuer identification, or any other related information.
(b) Private records described in this Subsection (3) that are received by a public transit district may only be disclosed in accordance with Section 63G-2-202.
Amended by Chapter 486, 2026 General Session
Utah Code § 17B-2a-816 Hearing on a rate or charge or a proposal to fix the location of district facilities.
17B-2a-816. Hearing on a rate or charge or a proposal to fix the location of district facilities.
(1)
(a) The legislative body of a county or municipality with territory within a public transit district may, on behalf of a person who is a resident of the county or municipality, respectively, and who is a user of a public transit system operated by the public transit district, file a request for a hearing before the public transit district's board of trustees or transit commission as to:
(i) the reasonableness of a rate or charge fixed by the board of trustees or transit commission; or
(ii) a proposal for fixing the location of district facilities.
(b) Each request under Subsection (1)(a) shall:
(i) be in writing;
(ii) be filed with the board of trustees or transit commission of the public transit district; and
(iii) state the subject matter on which a hearing is requested.
(2)
(a) At least 15 but not more than 60 days after a request under Subsection (1)(a) is filed, the public transit district's board of trustees or transit commission shall hold a hearing on, as the case may be:
(i) the reasonableness of a rate or charge fixed by the board of trustees or transit commission; or
(ii) a proposal for fixing the location of district facilities.
(b) The public transit district board of trustees or transit commission shall provide notice of the hearing by:
(i) mailing, postage prepaid, a notice to:
(A) the county or municipality requesting the hearing; and
(B) the legislative body of each other county and municipality with territory within the public transit district; and
(ii) once publishing a notice.
(3) At each hearing under Subsection (2)(a):
(a) the legislative body of a county or municipality may intervene, be heard, and introduce evidence if the county or municipality:
(i) is eligible to file a request for hearing under Subsection (1); and
(ii) did not file a request for hearing;
(b) the public transit district, the county or municipality that filed the request for hearing, and an intervening county or municipality under Subsection (3)(a) may:
(i) call and examine witnesses;
(ii) introduce exhibits;
(iii) cross-examine opposing witnesses on any matter relevant to the issues, even though the matter was not covered in direct examination; and
(iv) rebut evidence introduced by others;
(c) evidence shall be taken on oath or affirmation;
(d) technical rules of evidence need not be followed, regardless of the existence of a common law or statutory rule that makes improper the admission of evidence over objection in a civil action;
(e) hearsay evidence is admissible in order to supplement or explain direct evidence, but is not sufficient in itself to support a finding unless it would be admissible over objection in a civil action; and
(f) the public transit district board of trustees or transit commission shall appoint a reporter to take a complete record of all proceedings and testimony before the board or transit commission.
(4)
(a) Within 60 days after the conclusion of a hearing under Subsection (2)(a), the public transit district board of trustees or transit commission shall render its decision in writing, together with written findings of fact.
(b) The board of trustees or transit commission shall mail by certified mail, postage prepaid, a copy of the decision and findings to:
(i) the county or municipality that filed a request under Subsection (1); and
(ii) each county and municipality that intervened under Subsection (3)(a).
(5) In any action to review a decision of a public transit district board of trustees or transit commission under this section, the record on review shall consist of:
(a) the written request for hearing, the transcript of the testimony at the hearing, and all exhibits introduced at the hearing; or
(b) if the parties stipulate in writing:
(i) the evidence specified in the stipulation; and
(ii) the written stipulation itself.
Amended by Chapter 486, 2026 General Session
Utah Code § 17B-2a-817 Voter approval required for property tax levy.
17B-2a-817. Voter approval required for property tax levy.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 17B-1-1001 and in addition to a property tax under Section 17B-1-1103 to pay general obligation bonds of the district, a public transit district may levy a property tax, as provided in and subject to Chapter 1, Part 10, Special District Property Tax Levy, if:
(1) the district first submits the proposal to levy the property tax to voters within the district; and
(2) a majority of voters within the district voting on the proposal vote in favor of the tax at an election held for that purpose on a date specified in Section 20A-1-204.
Amended by Chapter 15, 2023 General Session
Utah Code § 17B-2a-818 Requirements applicable to public transit district contracts.
17B-2a-818. Requirements applicable to public transit district contracts.
(1) A public transit district shall comply with the applicable provisions of Title 63G, Chapter 6a, Utah Procurement Code.
(2) If construction of a district facility or work exceeds $750,000, the construction shall be let as provided in:
(a) Title 63G, Chapter 6a, Utah Procurement Code; and
(b) Section 17B-2a-818.5.
(3)
(a) In addition to the requirements of Title 63G, Chapter 6a, Utah Procurement Code, before beginning a procurement process for a passenger railcar or 10 or more passenger buses for a zero emissions project, a large public transit district shall complete a request for information in accordance with Section 63G-6a-409 to compare the costs for different types of available zero emissions propulsion systems for the passenger railcar or passenger buses.
(b) In performing the cost comparison described in Subsection (3)(a), the large public transit district shall consider:
(i) the purchase price;
(ii) the fuel cost per mile per gallon equivalent;
(iii) the service and maintenance costs over a 15-year period;
(iv) the estimated lifespan;
(v) passenger capacity; and
(vi) supply chain risks and costs.
Amended by Chapter 76, 2022 General Session
Utah Code § 17B-2a-818.5 Contracting powers of public transit districts -- Health insurance coverage.
17B-2a-818.5. Contracting powers of public transit districts -- Health insurance coverage.
(1) As used in this section:
(a) "Aggregate" means the sum of all contracts, change orders, and modifications related to a single project.
(b) "Change order" means the same as that term is defined in Section 63G-6a-103.
(c) "Employee" means, as defined in Section 34A-2-104, an "employee," "worker," or "operative" who:
(i) works at least 30 hours per calendar week; and
(ii) meets employer eligibility waiting requirements for health care insurance, which may not exceed the first day of the calendar month following 60 days after the day on which the individual is hired.
(d) "Health benefit plan" means:
(i) the same as that term is defined in Section 31A-1-301; or
(ii) an employee welfare benefit plan:
(A) established under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, 29 U.S.C. Sec. 1001 et seq.;
(B) for an employer with 100 or more employees; and
(C) in which the employer establishes a self-funded or partially self-funded group health plan to provide medical care for the employer's employees and dependents of the employees.
(e) "Qualified health coverage" means the same as that term is defined in Section 26B-3-909.
(f) "Subcontractor" means the same as that term is defined in Section 63A-5b-605.
(g) "Third party administrator" or "administrator" means the same as that term is defined in Section 31A-1-301.
(2) Except as provided in Subsection (3), the requirements of this section apply to:
(a) a contractor of a design or construction contract entered into by the public transit district on or after July 1, 2009, if the prime contract is in an aggregate amount equal to or greater than $2,000,000; and
(b) a subcontractor of a contractor of a design or construction contract entered into by the public transit district on or after July 1, 2009, if the subcontract is in an aggregate amount equal to or greater than $1,000,000.
(3) The requirements of this section do not apply to a contractor or subcontractor described in Subsection (2) if:
(a) the application of this section jeopardizes the receipt of federal funds;
(b) the contract is a sole source contract; or
(c) the contract is an emergency procurement.
(4) A person that intentionally uses change orders, contract modifications, or multiple contracts to circumvent the requirements of this section is guilty of an infraction.
(5)
(a) A contractor subject to the requirements of this section shall demonstrate to the public transit district that the contractor has and will maintain an offer of qualified health coverage for the contractor's employees and the employee's dependents during the duration of the contract by submitting to the public transit district a written statement that:
(i) the contractor offers qualified health coverage that complies with Section 26B-3-909;
(ii) is from:
(A) an actuary selected by the contractor or the contractor's insurer;
(B) an underwriter who is responsible for developing the employer group's premium rates; or
(C) if the contractor provides a health benefit plan described in Subsection (1)(d)(ii), an actuary or underwriter selected by a third party administrator; and
(iii) was created within one year before the day on which the statement is submitted.
(b)
(i) A contractor that provides a health benefit plan described in Subsection (1)(d)(ii) shall provide the actuary or underwriter selected by an administrator, as described in Subsection (5)(a)(ii)(C), sufficient information to determine whether the contractor's contribution to the health benefit plan and the actuarial value of the health benefit plan meet the requirements of qualified health coverage.
(ii) A contractor may not make a change to the contractor's contribution to the health benefit plan, unless the contractor provides notice to:
(A) the actuary or underwriter selected by an administrator as described in Subsection (5)(a)(ii)(C), for the actuary or underwriter to update the written statement described in Subsection (5)(a) in compliance with this section; and
(B) the public transit district.
(c) A contractor that is subject to the requirements of this section shall:
(i) place a requirement in each of the contractor's subcontracts that a subcontractor that is subject to the requirements of this section shall obtain and maintain an offer of qualified health coverage for the subcontractor's employees and the employees' dependents during the duration of the subcontract; and
(ii) obtain from a subcontractor that is subject to the requirements of this section a written statement that:
(A) the subcontractor offers qualified health coverage that complies with Section 26B-3-909;
(B) is from an actuary selected by the subcontractor or the subcontractor's insurer, an underwriter who is responsible for developing the employer group's premium rates, or if the subcontractor provides a health benefit plan described in Subsection (1)(d)(ii), an actuary or underwriter selected by an administrator; and
(C) was created within one year before the day on which the contractor obtains the statement.
(d)
(i)
(A) A contractor that fails to maintain an offer of qualified health coverage as described in Subsection (5)(a) during the duration of the contract is subject to penalties in accordance with an ordinance adopted by the public transit district under Subsection (6).
(B) A contractor is not subject to penalties for the failure of a subcontractor to obtain and maintain an offer of qualified health coverage described in Subsection (5)(c)(i).
(ii)
(A) A subcontractor that fails to obtain and maintain an offer of qualified health coverage described in Subsection (5)(c)(i) during the duration of the subcontract is subject to penalties in accordance with an ordinance adopted by the public transit district under Subsection (6).
(B) A subcontractor is not subject to penalties for the failure of a contractor to maintain an offer of qualified health coverage described in Subsection (5)(a).
(6) The public transit district shall adopt ordinances:
(a) in coordination with:
(i) the Department of Environmental Quality in accordance with Section 19-1-206;
(ii) the Department of Natural Resources in accordance with Section 79-2-404;
(iii) the Division of Facilities Construction and Management in accordance with Section 63A-5b-607;
(iv) the State Capitol Preservation Board in accordance with Section 63O-2-403; and
(v) the Department of Transportation in accordance with Section 72-6-107.5; and
(b) that establish:
(i) the requirements and procedures a contractor and a subcontractor shall follow to demonstrate compliance with this section, including:
(A) that a contractor or subcontractor's compliance with this section is subject to an audit by the public transit district or the Office of the Legislative Auditor General;
(B) that a contractor that is subject to the requirements of this section shall obtain a written statement described in Subsection (5)(a); and
(C) that a subcontractor that is subject to the requirements of this section shall obtain a written statement described in Subsection (5)(c)(ii);
(ii) the penalties that may be imposed if a contractor or subcontractor intentionally violates the provisions of this section, which may include:
(A) a three-month suspension of the contractor or subcontractor from entering into future contracts with the public transit district upon the first violation;
(B) a six-month suspension of the contractor or subcontractor from entering into future contracts with the public transit district upon the second violation;
(C) an action for debarment of the contractor or subcontractor in accordance with Section 63G-6a-904 upon the third or subsequent violation; and
(D) monetary penalties which may not exceed 50% of the amount necessary to purchase qualified health coverage for employees and dependents of employees of the contractor or subcontractor who were not offered qualified health coverage during the duration of the contract; and
(iii) a website on which the district shall post the commercially equivalent benchmark, for the qualified health coverage identified in Subsection (1)(e), that is provided by the Department of Health and Human Services, in accordance with Subsection 26B-3-909(2).
(7)
(a)
(i) In addition to the penalties imposed under Subsection (6)(b)(ii), a contractor or subcontractor who intentionally violates the provisions of this section is liable to the employee for health care costs that would have been covered by qualified health coverage.
(ii) An employer has an affirmative defense to a cause of action under Subsection (7)(a)(i) if:
(A) the employer relied in good faith on a written statement described in Subsection (5)(a) or (5)(c)(ii); or
(B) a department or division determines that compliance with this section is not required under the provisions of Subsection (3).
(b) An employee has a private right of action only against the employee's employer to enforce the provisions of this Subsection (7).
(8) Any penalties imposed and collected under this section shall be deposited into the Medicaid Growth Reduction and Budget Stabilization Account created in Section 63J-1-315.
(9) The failure of a contractor or subcontractor to provide qualified health coverage as required by this section:
(a) may not be the basis for a protest or other action from a prospective bidder, offeror, or contractor under:
(i) Section 63G-6a-1602; or
(ii) any other provision in Title 63G, Chapter 6a, Utah Procurement Code; and
(b) may not be used by the procurement entity or a prospective bidder, offeror, or contractor as a basis for any action or suit that would suspend, disrupt, or terminate the design or construction.
(10) An administrator, including an administrator's actuary or underwriter, who provides a written statement under Subsection (5)(a) or (c) regarding the qualified health coverage of a contractor or subcontractor who provides a health benefit plan described in Subsection (1)(d)(ii):
(a) subject to Subsection (10)(b), is not liable for an error in the written statement, unless the administrator commits gross negligence in preparing the written statement;
(b) is not liable for any error in the written statement if the administrator relied in good faith on information from the contractor or subcontractor; and
(c) may require as a condition of providing the written statement that a contractor or subcontractor hold the administrator harmless for an action arising under this section.
Amended by Chapter 439, 2024 General Session
Utah Code § 17B-2a-819 Compliance with state and local laws and regulations.
17B-2a-819. Compliance with state and local laws and regulations.
(1) Each public transit district is subject to department regulations relating to safety appliances and procedures.
(2)
(a) Each installation by a public transit district in a state highway or freeway is subject to the approval of the department.
(b) There is a presumption that the use of a street, road, highway, or other public place by a public transit district for any of the purposes permitted in this part constitutes no greater burden on an adjoining property than the use existing on July 9, 1969.
(c) If a street, road, or highway, excluding a state highway or freeway, or a pipeline, sewer, water main, storm drain, pole, or communication wire is required to be relocated, replaced, or altered in order for a public transit district to construct or operate its system or to preserve and maintain an already constructed district facility:
(i) the public or private owner of the facility required to be relocated, replaced, or altered shall relocate, replace, or alter the facility with reasonable promptness; and
(ii) the public transit district shall, by prior agreement, reimburse the owner for the reasonable cost incurred in the relocation, replacement, or alteration.
(d)
(i) A public transit district may enter into an agreement with a county or municipality to:
(A) close a street or road over which the county or municipality has jurisdiction at or near the point of its interception with a district facility; or
(B) carry the street or road over or under or to a connection with a district facility.
(ii) A public transit district may do all work on a street or road under Subsection (2)(d)(i) as is necessary.
(iii) A street or road may not be closed, directly or indirectly, by the construction of a district facility unless the closure is:
(A) pursuant to agreement under Subsection (2)(d)(i); or
(B) temporarily necessary during the construction of a district facility.
(3) Each public transit district is subject to the laws and regulations of the state and each applicable municipality relating to traffic and operation of vehicles upon streets and highways.
Enacted by Chapter 329, 2007 General Session
Utah Code § 17B-2a-820 Authority for other governmental entities to acquire property by eminent domain for a public transit district.
17B-2a-820. Authority for other governmental entities to acquire property by eminent domain for a public transit district.
The state, a county, or a municipality may, by eminent domain under Title 78B, Chapter 6, Part 5, Eminent Domain, acquire within its boundaries a private property interest, including fee simple, easement, air right, right-of-way, or other interest, necessary for the establishment or operation of a public transit district.
Amended by Chapter 3, 2008 General Session
Utah Code § 17B-2a-821 Multicounty district may establish and enforce parking ordinance.
17B-2a-821. Multicounty district may establish and enforce parking ordinance.
The board of trustees or transit commission of a multicounty district may adopt an ordinance governing parking of vehicles at a transit facility, including the imposition of a fine or civil penalty for a violation of the ordinance.
Amended by Chapter 486, 2026 General Session
Utah Code § 17B-2a-822 Multicounty district may employ or contract for law enforcement officers -- Law enforcement officer status, powers, and jurisdiction.
17B-2a-822. Multicounty district may employ or contract for law enforcement officers -- Law enforcement officer status, powers, and jurisdiction.
(1) The board of trustees or transit commission of a multicounty district may employ law enforcement officers or contract with other law enforcement agencies to provide law enforcement services for the district.
(2) A law enforcement officer employed or provided by contract under Subsection (1) is a law enforcement officer under Section 53-13-103 and shall be subject to the provisions of that section.
Amended by Chapter 486, 2026 General Session
Utah Code § 17B-2a-823 Public transit district special services.
17B-2a-823. Public transit district special services.
(1) As used in this section, "bureau" means a recreational, tourist, or convention advisory board, council, committee, body, or bureau that substantially conforms to the requirements of Section 17-78-706.
(2)
(a) A public transit district may lease its buses to private certified public carriers or operate transit services requested by a public entity if a bureau certifies that privately owned carriers furnishing like services or operating like equipment within the area served by the bureau:
(i) have declined to provide the service; or
(ii) do not have the equipment necessary to provide the service.
(b) A public transit district may lease the public transit district's buses or operate services as authorized under Subsection (2)(a) outside of the area served by the district.
(3) If part or all of the transportation services are paid for by public funds, a public transit district may:
(a) provide school bus services for transportation of pupils and supervisory personnel between homes and school and other related school activities within the area served by the district; or
(b) provide the transportation of passengers covered by a program within the district for people who are elderly or who have a disability.
(4) Notwithstanding the provisions in Subsection (3), a municipality or county is not prohibited from providing the transportation services identified in Subsection (3).
Amended by Chapter 16, 2025 Special Session 1
Utah Code § 17B-2a-824 Property acquired on behalf of a public transit district.
17B-2a-824. Property acquired on behalf of a public transit district.
(1) Except as provided in Subsection (3), title to property acquired on behalf of a public transit district under this part immediately and by operation of law vests in the public transit district.
(2) Property described in Subsection (1) is dedicated and set apart for the purposes set forth in this part.
(3) Any property purchased or acquired by the Department of Transportation for public transit purposes:
(a) does not vest in the public transit district; and
(b) remains under the ownership of the Department of Transportation.
(4) The Department of Transportation may sell, donate, exchange, or otherwise convey in fee simple property described in Subsection (3) to a public transit district if:
(a)
(i) the property is adjacent or ancillary to property the public transit district utilizes for the operation of a fixed guideway; and
(ii) the Department of Transportation determines that the conveyance of the property to the public transit district provides a benefit to the state;
(b) the conveyance is necessary to fulfilling federal grant or other funding requirements; or
(c) the conveyance is made in accordance with an administrative rule enacted pursuant to Section 72-5-117.
(5) If the Department of Transportation purchases one or more transit vehicles for public transit purposes, the Department of Transportation may sell, donate, exchange, or otherwise convey the transit vehicles to a public transit district if:
(a) the Department of Transportation determines that the conveyance of the transit vehicles to the public transit district provides a benefit to the state; or
(b) the conveyance is necessary to fulfill federal grant or other funding requirements.
Amended by Chapter 452, 2025 General Session
Utah Code § 17B-2a-825 Criminal background checks authorized -- Employment eligibility.
17B-2a-825. Criminal background checks authorized -- Employment eligibility.
(1) A public transit district may require an individual described in Subsection (2) to:
(a) submit a fingerprint card in a form acceptable to the public transit district; and
(b) consent to a fingerprint background check by:
(i) the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification; and
(ii) the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
(2) A person shall comply with the requirements of Subsection (1) if the person:
(a) is applying for or continuing employment with the public transit district:
(i) working in a safety-sensitive position or other position that may affect:
(A) the safety or well-being of patrons of the public transit district; or
(B) the safety or security of the transit buildings, stations, platforms, railways, bus systems, and transit vehicles;
(ii) handling personally identifiable information, financial information, or other sensitive information including personal health information;
(iii) working in security-sensitive areas; or
(iv) handling security-sensitive information, including information system technologies; or
(b) is seeking access to designated security-sensitive areas.
(3) A public transit district may use the information obtained in accordance with this section only for one or more of the following purposes:
(a) to determine whether or not an individual is convicted of:
(i) a felony under federal or state law within the last 10 years;
(ii) a violation within the last 10 years of a federal law, state law, or local ordinance concerning the sale, manufacture, distribution, warehousing, adulteration, or transportation of an alcoholic beverage;
(iii) a crime involving moral turpitude; or
(iv) two or more convictions within the last 10 years for a violation of driving under the influence of alcohol, any drug, or the combined influence of alcohol and any drug;
(b) to determine whether or not an individual has accurately disclosed the person's criminal history on an application or document filed with the public transit district;
(c) to approve or deny an application for employment with the public transit district; or
(d) to take disciplinary action against an employee of the public transit district, including possible termination of employment.
(4) A person is not eligible for employment with a public transit district in a capacity described in Subsection (2) if the person has been convicted of any of the offenses described in Subsection (3).
Amended by Chapter 377, 2014 General Session
Utah Code § 17B-2a-826 Public transit district office of constituent services and office of coordinated mobility.
17B-2a-826. Public transit district office of constituent services and office of coordinated mobility.
(1)
(a) The executive director of a large public transit district shall create and employ an office of constituent services.
(b) The duties of the office of constituent services described in Subsection (1)(a) shall include:
(i) establishing a central call number to hear and respond to complaints, requests, comments, concerns, and other communications from customers and citizens within the district;
(ii) keeping a log of the complaints, comments, concerns, and other communications from customers and citizens within the district; and
(iii) reporting complaints, comments, concerns, and other communications to management.
(2)
(a) A large public transit district shall create and employ an office of coordinated mobility.
(b) The duties of the office of coordinated mobility shall include:
(i) establishing a central call number to facilitate human services transportation;
(ii) coordinating all human services transportation needs within the public transit district;
(iii) receiving requests and other communications regarding human services transportation;
(iv) receiving requests and other communications regarding vans, buses, and other vehicles available for use from the public transit district to maximize the utility of and investment in those vehicles; and
(v) supporting local efforts and applications for additional funding.
Amended by Chapter 486, 2026 General Session
Utah Code § 17B-2a-827 Integration of public transit services and facilities.
17B-2a-827. Integration of public transit services and facilities.
(1) If a public transit district provides public transit services in an area that is adjacent to or overlaps with an area in which public transit services are also provided by another public transit provider, including a public-private partnership entity, the public transit district and the public transit provider entity shall ensure that:
(a) any public transit facilities of one provider connect with the public transit facilities of the other provider;
(b) the schedules of all relevant public transit providers are coordinated as one public transit system; and
(c)
(i) if both public transit providers collect a fare directly from public transit passengers, an integrated and uniform fare system is implemented across the coordinated public transit system; and
(ii) the revenue generated from the uniform fare system is equitably divided among the public transit providers according to service provided and mileage covered.
(2) A public transit district and a public transit provider, including a public-private partnership entity, may negotiate the ability of one public transit provider to operate on the transit facilities of the other public transit provider.
(3)
(a) The Department of Transportation shall oversee the negotiation, integration, and coordination described in Subsection (1).
(b) For the negotiation, integration, or coordination between a public transit district and a public-private partnership, the oversight described in Subsection (3)(a) applies only to fixed-route bus or rail services.
Enacted by Chapter 479, 2019 General Session
Utah Code § 17B-2a-828 Public transit innovation grants.
17B-2a-828. Public transit innovation grants.
(1) A public transit district shall coordinate public transit services provided by the public transit district with pilot services related to public transit innovation grants.
(2) After receiving the reports described in Section 72-2-404, the public transit district shall consider integrating awarded public transit innovation grant operations that meet the public transit district's service planning standards.
Enacted by Chapter 498, 2024 General Session
Source: Utah Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel (le.utah.gov)URL: https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title17B/Chapter2A/17B-2a-P8.html?v=C17B-2a-P8_1800010118000101Fetched: 10/26/2026