Utah Transit Authority trustee Carlton Christiansen presented UTA's proposed 2026 operating and capital budget to the Transportation Coordinating Committee on Nov. 20, citing modest operating cost increases, higher debt service in 2026 and significant capital spending on vehicle replacement and facilities.

Christensen said UTA's strategic plan guides the budget and that the agency expects to operate roughly 3,100 employees next year. He told the committee that the MVX bus‑rapid‑transit line in central Salt Lake County is about a year ahead of schedule and that UTA plans to begin operating it this spring; he said the agency anticipates revenue service by the end of March and expected to announce that service early next year.

On capital, Christensen confirmed UTA ordered 80 new light‑rail vehicles from Stadler as part of a replacement program for aging vehicles, and that most of the purchase will be paid through bond financing. He noted diesel buses cost about $700,000, electric buses about $1.2 million, and that roughly 55% of UTA's five‑year capital budget is dedicated to a set of larger projects and state of good repair.

Regarding debt, Christensen said the majority of UTA's debt is tied to rail construction and that the debt portfolio was issued as long, 30‑year obligations. He said refinancing has smoothed out spikes but that debt service is expected to rise in the near term as principal payments are concentrated in the coming years; he estimated debt service consumes about 19% of revenue now, down from about 24% in 2018.

Christensen said UTA has a bond financing plan for the light‑rail vehicles and expects to return to the market in about three years for additional financing. He outlined other capital priorities including a Mount Ogden administration building, training facilities and improvements to bus stops and paratransit vehicles to improve accessibility.

Christensen closed by saying public input on the budget is complete, staff will bring final adjustments to the board Dec. 3, and the board plans to adopt the budget on Dec. 17.