UTA's board passes fines for distracted behavior

Last week, the Utah Transit Authority approved a set of fines to discourage pedestrians’ “distracted behavior” when crossing tracks.

“The ordinance language is broad, but seeks to restrict things like texting, talking on the phone, listening to music with headphones, reading, rushing to get through moving gates or [walking] in track grades,” UTA officials said in a prepared statement.

A first-time Class III violation would result in a fine of $50, with repeat offenses increasing to $100. First-time violators will be offered the option of taking a $25 rail safety course. Fines for rushing through moving gates and walking in the alignment will be $300 for a first offense and $500 for every subsequent violation.

The measure is not meant to be punitive, but educational, providing transit officers a greater opportunity to teach safe behavior and prevent future incidents, UTA officials said.