Carlton Christensen, a member of the Utah Transit Authority Board of Trustees, presented UTA’s tentative 2024 operating and capital budgets to Transcom and asked members to return comments during the public comment period before final adoption.

Christensen said UTA’s operating base is roughly $415 million and the year‑end budget totals about $424 million after adjustments; the capital program presented for 2024 is approximately $230 million. He said most operating revenue comes from county local option sales taxes and noted the agency’s continued reliance on those revenues while preparing for a modest fleet transition to electric buses and a fare‑system replacement.

Major capital items highlighted:
- Mid‑Valley Bus Rapid Transit (BRT): advancing to procurement and early utility work; UTA noted a ~$60 million federal grant recommendation in the presidential budget contingent on congressional action.
- S‑Line extension: design underway to extend the line to support service to Highland Drive/Daybreak area.
- Replacement of 40 oldest light‑rail vehicles: UTA received a $60 million Federal Transit Administration grant and will procure vehicles to replace aging non‑level boarding cars.
- Fare system replacement and systemwide state‑of‑good‑repair work including track, power substations and signal upgrades.

Christensen said UTA has rebuilt reserve levels and reduced debt ratios by refinancing, and that the agency is not counting on recent one‑time federal monies for ongoing operations. UTA’s tentative budget was out for public comment and board consideration; Christensen said staff will return to their local advisory council and finalize the budget in December.