The Regional Growth Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting on July 30, 2025, focused on the findings from the Utah Transit Authority's (UTA) 2024 onboard survey. Dee Murray, a strategic planner at UTA, presented key insights from the survey, which is conducted every four years to fulfill federal requirements and gather demographic data about transit riders.

The 2024 survey, conducted between February and April, aimed to capture a comprehensive profile of UTA's riders, including their travel patterns and fare usage. This iteration marked the first time the survey included on-demand services and extended to weekends, enhancing the data collection process. The survey utilized digital tablets for real-time geocoding, allowing for more accurate data gathering across various transit modes.

Murray highlighted several significant findings from the survey. The demographic profile of riders remained largely consistent with previous years, with a majority being male and over half aged 34 or younger. Income data revealed that 54% of respondents earn less than $45,000 annually, and while the majority identified as white or Caucasian, this figure showed a slight decrease from 2019.

Notably, 30% of respondents reported not having access to a working vehicle, indicating a reliance on public transit. The survey also noted a small decrease in the frequency of use among riders, with an increase in those making zero transfers during their journeys. Fare payment methods showed that 35% of respondents used electronic cards, while 15% paid with cash, an increase from the previous survey.

The survey's findings on access and egress modes revealed that over 80% of riders accessed and exited transit services by walking. Additionally, the introduction of on-demand services provided new insights, with 33% of on-demand riders lacking a working vehicle and 78% not holding a driver's license.

Looking ahead, UTA plans to conduct the next onboard survey in 2028, continuing its commitment to understanding and improving transit services for the community. The data collected will be instrumental in shaping future transit planning and addressing the needs of riders in the region.