Utah Housing Corporation and UTA Partner to Protect the Environment

Workers at Utah Housing Corporation now have the option to use bus, light rail, and commuter rail to work. The Corporation is funding their commutes, while lucky employees get to enjoy using Wi-Fi service in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere instead of fighting traffic, spending hundreds filling up gas tanks, and in the long run, helping to reduce their carbon footprint.

This lifestyle and ecological improvement was made possible by a partnership between Utah Housing and Utah Transit Authority (UTA). Utah Housing purchased UTA’s premium eco-passes for the Corporation’s 55 employees. The UTA Eco-Passes enable employees to travel on FrontRunner, TRAX, express buses and fixed route buses anywhere within the UTA system.

Utah Housing employee Cheryl Evans loves the personal and environmental benefits.

“I really appreciate being able to ride Front Runner through the Eco-Pass program. It is a big financial help, and also reduces the stress level,” Evans said. “I am proud to work for a place that cares for its employees and the environment.”

William Erickson, president of Utah Housing, said purchasing Eco-Passes is a great investment in staff morale and the region.

“Having the option of taking the train to work is like going back to the future,” Erickson said. “Everything feels better – even the air. Investing in transit for Utah Housing employees is investing in quality of life for all of us.”

UTA Regional General Manager, Lorin Simpson is proud of this partnership.

“Our two organizations have a wonderful history of helping the people of Utah with both housing and transportation,” said Simpson. “It’s great to hear UTA can be an even more integral part of Utah Housing Corporation.”

Utah Housing and UTA have worked together over many years to improve employee commuter options and protect the environment. Utah Housing was awarded the UTA Commuter Vision Award in 2006. Other transit initiatives include:

· Utah Housing leases two commuter vans for employees coming from north and south of Salt Lake County. Up to 27% of Utah Housing employees ride the vans every day.
· Utah Housing and UTA coordinated to improve bus service to Utah Housing’s corporate site in West Valley City