UTA 2016 budget features more rail service, amenities

The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) board yesterday approved the agency's 2016 budget, which includes a 4.5 percent increase in rail service.

Additionally, the budget sets aside funds for Wi-Fi upgrades on UTA's FrontRunner commuter-rail system, mobile ticketing programs and an expansion of positive train control, agency officials said in a press release.

UTA's total operating costs are estimated at $359.8 million, according to the budget document. Of that amount, $44 million will go toward UTA's light-rail system, and another $32 million will be spent on the agency's commuter-rail lines.

The agency's capital budget is $176 million.

Meanwhile, UTA's board elected members Robert McKinley and Chris Sloan to serve as co-vice chairs. Their appointments follow former Vice Chair Chris Bleak's resignation from the board last month.