In recent weeks, I found myself covering various aspects of public transit, from the bus rapid transit project to the new campus of High Valley, and even the city’s alternative transportation incentives program. With so much focus on the transit system, I realized that it was time to experience it firsthand: I needed to ride a bus.
Living in Salt Lake, I discovered that High Valley operates a commuter bus—the 107—that connects Salt Lake Central to Kimball Junction. Determined to become a bus-only commuter, I decided to test the waters.
My usual commute by car takes about 50 minutes from my apartment in the Avenues to The Park Record office in Prospector Park. I typically aim to arrive at the office by 10:30 a.m. on production days. However, I quickly noticed that the bus schedule didn’t perfectly coincide with my preferred departure time. The 107 has a 90-minute frequency: I could either take the 7:41 a.m. bus and reach Kimball Junction by 8:45 or wait for the 9:11 a.m. bus, arriving at 10:15.
Early mornings aren’t my forte, and my lengthy grooming routine does not allow for leaving before 8 a.m. Thus, I opted for the 9:11 a.m. bus and departed my home at 8:30, giving myself some extra time to navigate Salt Lake Central.
Upon arriving, I found the Central station to be dull and uninviting—a hub for light rail, buses, and the Frontrunner train. The stark gray surroundings made it feel less like a welcoming transit center and more like a passageway.
I wandered around, confused by the locked Greyhound station and the unclear bus pickup areas. A High Valley Transit bus caught my eye, but I soon realized I’d entered a drivers-only zone, returning to the designated pickup area feeling a bit foolish.
The morning was chilly, and I was unprepared for the cold. In a car, I could crank the heat to stay warm, but now I was at the mercy of public transit schedules and my own discomfort.
Despite this, my fondness for public transportation resurfaced. I used to regularly ride the bus in college, relishing the challenge of navigating public transit systems in major cities. It’s a rewarding experience to master a new transit map.
At 9:07 a.m., I watched the 107 pass by, its driver gesturing for me to follow. Unsure of his intentions, I approached the bus only to find that he was avoiding an obstruction. When he returned to the pickup area at 9:10 a.m., I hopped on and greeted him.
As the first passenger, I felt a unique sense of dominion—the cabin was my kingdom, and I chose my seat wisely. Shortly after I sat down, another passenger boarded with a snowboard, but he didn’t engage in conversation. Instead, he seemed taken aback by my presence, leaving me feeling a bit deflated in my quest for public engagement.
With an aura of tranquility enveloping the bus, I settled in and observed my surroundings. The seats were surprisingly comfortable, equipped with padding, seatbelts, armrests, air conditioning, and individual lights. It felt like a luxury travel experience.
By 9:22 a.m., we were navigating through Salt Lake City, picking up more passengers along the way. Despite my aspirations for a lively interaction, I remained silent and immersed in the serene atmosphere.
I found myself captivated by the driver, whom I imagined must be named Tyson. He bore a striking resemblance to someone I’d known before, and his focused demeanor provided a sense of reassurance.
As we wound our way toward the University of Utah, we picked up several passengers and reached Parley’s Canyon by 9:46 a.m. At this point, ten people occupied the bus, and by 9:48 a.m., we merged onto Interstate 80.
This moment marked a significant part of my journey. Driving on I-80 has always been a harrowing experience for me, fraught with tension and anxiety. However, with Tyson at the helm, my discomfort dissipated; traveling as a passenger offered a sense of calm.
To my surprise, I actually enjoyed the scenic views along I-80. Each spring, as the lush mountains unfolded around me, I was grateful for the opportunity to appreciate the beauty without the stress of driving.
At 10:04 a.m., we paused at Jeremy Ranch Park and Ride, arriving in Kimball Junction by 10:11 a.m. From there, I transferred to the 10X express bus, which whisked me down S.R. 224.
Getting off just past Kearns Boulevard at Fresh Market, I braced myself for what I had tried to mentally prepare for—a long walk across the parking lot to Bonanza. It was at this moment that the realities of urban design hit me harder than I anticipated.
The expanse of asphalt between retail spaces made me acutely aware of how our environments are constructed around vehicles rather than pedestrians. Whereas driving through these areas feels natural, walking across a parking lot highlighted the disconnect.
This feeling of alienation lingered as I made my way past familiar establishments such as First Community Bank and Boneyard Saloon. Despite my hope to bypass this unwelcoming sensation, I found it unavoidable. This cultural arrangement in sprawling Utah—a compromise between convenience and accessibility—was disheartening.
Having completed my journey, I felt compelled to advocate for bus ridership. Public transit might not always seem convenient, but it presents an alternative choice, allowing individuals to forgo the constraints of personal schedules.
Many might balk at the idea of relinquishing control over their commute, but the trade-offs associated with car ownership—from maintenance to fuel to insurance—are often glossed over. We’re conditioned to accept these burdens as normal.
After arriving at the office at 10:50 a.m., twenty minutes later than my target time, it struck me that public transit is a viable option worthy of consideration. I may need to wake up earlier and rearrange my routine to accommodate future bus trips, but I am now part of the transit dialogue.
While I’m firmly part of our car-centric society, my experience riding the bus reminded me of the potential for a more integrated, sustainable approach to commuting. As Park City evolves with transit projects like bus rapid transit, the prospect of experiencing public transit as a beneficial part of our lives becomes increasingly plausible, encouraging others to explore similar changes.
Ultimately, I’ve come to appreciate riding the bus—it might even become one of the highlights of my day. Who knows? Perhaps it could be yours as well.
image source from：https://www.parkrecord.com/2025/05/27/salt-lake-to-park-city-a-commuters-sermon/
