Editor:

In response to your article (“UTA increases service to campus,” Aug. 24), more public transportation options for students, faculty and employees are a much-needed step in the right direction. The combination of decreased campus parking spaces and increased availability for bus and TRAX routes move our community toward more sustainable daily practices. The Utah Transit Authority and university commuter services are to be commended for these initiatives.

However, the communities that are receiving increased services are the ones that have traditionally led the way in receiving increased public funds. The specific UTA routes favor those in white, suburban south valley, as well as those commuting via FrontRunner from northern communities. Meanwhile, west-side residents continue to be underserved by Salt Lake City public services, as well as by the greater U community. As our university seeks to have a more diverse student body, we should look to the geographic and social accessibility of our school. Decreasing barriers to daily commutes should be at the top of the list for city and school administrators.

Again, increased public transportation options are always beneficial, but a more socially just alternative would be to offer similarly convenient options to those who are drastically underrepresented in our university.

Jeff Rose,
Graduate Student,
Parks, Recreation and Tourism