UTA announced plans to implement an internal public security program by the end of the month, including measures to arm its 20 security officers.
'UTA is one of the safest transit systems in the country, and our primary objective has been to create an internal security program that will continue providing the highest measure of safety for both our customers and employees,' said John Inglish, UTA general manager, in a UTA press release.
One frequent UTA bus rider supports its decision for an increase in security.
'I think everyone should be allowed to protect themselves,' said Suzanna Larsen, a sophomore from West Jordan, majoring in exercise science. 'If there was a law that drivers could not carry a firearm, then criminals would pretty much have a guarantee that they'd be the only ones with a gun. They could take the whole bus hostage.'
A UTA TRAX rider seems to agree with Larsen.
'I think that it's a really good idea, and it makes it safer for us,' said Marie Owens, a junior from Sandy, majoring in nursing. 'It's more comforting for me to know since I'm from Sandy, and I ride TRAX from Sandy to Salt Lake.'
In the past, UTA hired armed private security guards to ensure safety and check tickets on TRAX trains and UTA buses.
The security firm's contracts were not renewed, because, according to Inglish, 'they started acting more like an arm of law enforcement rather than security' for their customers.
Owens concurs with Inglish.
'The security guards seemed more like policemen than security guards,' Owens said. 'It was still nice to see them because in some places public transportation can be scary. I don't really see anything bad about the new security measures as long as they don't go too far.'
Many of the officers are former sheriff's deputies, city police officers or state troopers, said UTA Sgt. Justin Martinez on KSL radio.
The officers will continue to be responsible for a variety of other services, including customer service, fare enforcement, and UTA and TRAX safety.
Although UTA's security officers will be armed, Inglish said his officers will not investigate crimes.
'We are not looking to make drug busts,' he said.