2
3
4
5
6
7 LONG TITLE
8 General Description:
9 This resolution calls on the Utah Transit Authority to take immediate action to address
10 the driver shortage that has severely impacted ski season transportation.
11 Highlighted Provisions:
12 This resolution:
13 ▸ highlights the importance of Utah's ski industry;
14 ▸ recognizes the challenges of ski transportation this season; and
15 ▸ urges the Utah Transit Authority to take necessary action to resolve ski traffic,
16 including engaging the private sector.
17 Special Clauses:
18 None
19
20 Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the state of Utah:
21 WHEREAS, Utah snow is known as The Greatest Snow on Earth;
22 WHEREAS, Utah is home to 15 world-class ski and snowboard resorts that welcome
23 more than 5.8 million visits annually;
24 WHEREAS, Utah's ski industry drove spending to a record $2.35 billion last season
25 and provided more than 20,000 jobs;
26 WHEREAS, the 2022-2023 ski season has been historic, with resorts opening earlier
27 than anticipated and record snowfall across the state;
28 WHEREAS, the Utah Transit Authority, a special service district responsible for
29 providing public transportation through the Wasatch Front of Utah, provides an integrated
30 system of innovative, accessible, and efficient public transportation services that increase
31 access to opportunities and contribute to a healthy environment for the people of the Wasatch
32 region;
33 WHEREAS, the Utah Transit Authority announced on September 28, 2022, that it
34 would suspend and reduce operations on several key routes that provide services to Summit
35 County and Salt Lake County area ski resorts;
36 WHEREAS, Utah's ski traffic, long wait times, and limited parking have long been
37 debated and are a source of consternation to skiers and negative environmental impacts to
38 Utah's natural resources;
39 WHEREAS, a Utah Transit Authority driver shortage of more than 80 employees and
40 hiring difficulties have led to a reduction in service, greatly impacting local outdoor
41 enthusiasts, employee transportation, and business for hotels and ski resorts that have resulted
42 in increased congestion in and around high-use canyons;
43 WHEREAS, the Utah Transit Authority has stated its driver shortage and suspended
44 routes will not be resolved in the short-term;
45 WHEREAS, the private sector is a key partner in industry success and can supplement
46 Utah Transit Authority services to ensure continued economic growth of our state;
47 WHEREAS, several public, private, and non-profit organizations have devoted
48 resources including funds, police operations, and staff time to help alleviate traffic congestion
49 and increase public transportation options for locals and visitors;
50 WHEREAS, Salt Lake County successfully engaged in the private sector to transport
51 individuals in the absence of appropriate Utah Transit Authority services; and
52 WHEREAS, contracts with commercial driver license holders could be a vital resource
53 for the Utah Transit Authority and should be explored to alleviate the driver shortage:
54 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
55 state of Utah calls on the Utah Transit Authority to expeditiously rectify the ski transportation
56 situation by taking necessary actions to rectify the current driver shortage and explore the
57 option of entering into a public-private partnership before next season where other entities can
58 rent their buses to transport skiers and avoid gridlock.
59 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that it is unacceptable to enter into the 2023-2024 ski
60 season with the current, reduced bus service.