New streetcar to have $1 promotional fare

The new Sugar House Streetcar line will offer a free preview ride day on Dec. 7 — and a limited-time promotional fare of just $1 for those who pay with electronic media when the line officially opens on Dec. 8.

The streetcar — called the S-Line by the Utah Transit Authority — will offer free rides on Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to anyone who brings a nonperishable food item to donate to the Utah Food Bank. UTA also will offer children's activities, food and entertainment at the line's Fairmont and 300 East stops.

When the line officially opens the next day, the limited-time promotional fare of $1 will be offered to those who use electronic fare media — including FAREPAY cards, bank-issued contactless credit cards, ISIS or Google Wallet.

Riders who pay with cash will be charged the standard $2.50 fare. S-Line access is included for UTA riders using most daily or monthly passes.

UTA said the promotional $1 fare is made possible through partnership with South Salt Lake and Salt Lake City.

"These cities have been incredible partners as we moved forward in developing this new mode of transit," said UTA General Manager Michael Allegra. "We're excited to present the public with a unique way to explore South Salt Lake and Sugar House neighborhoods and access local stores, restaurants and businesses."

The streetcar connects to the TRAX system at Central Pointe Station at 2100 South. It extends two miles east to McClelland Street, with a total of seven stops. The line will travel at average speeds of 10 to 15 miles per hour in a multiuse corridor that features paths for hiking and biking.

Passengers transferring from the S-Line to regular service bus, TRAX or FrontRunner will receive a $1 transfer credit if the transfer is completed within two hours of purchasing the S-Line ticket. To receive the appropriate credit, passengers transferring to the TRAX system should tap off the S-Line card reader at Central Pointe and tap on the TRAX card reader.

ldavidson@sltrib.com