At UTA, public transit is built to serve everyone and support every journey. That commitment comes to life through the Committee on Accessible Transportation, a group focused on improving access and removing barriers so every voice is heard.

What Is the CAT?

The Committee on Accessible Transportation, also known as the CAT, is an advisory committee that focuses on accessibility across UTA’s system. Members provide input on facilities, services, equipment, plans, and programs to help ensure accessibility and non-discrimination for people with disabilities.

It’s Recruitment Time

The CAT is currently recruiting new members, and there is no better way to understand the impact this committee has than by hearing directly from those involved. Applications are accepted throughout the calendar year and are frequently reviewed.

To give you a closer look, we asked current committee members what inspired them to join and what they would say to someone considering applying. Here is what they shared.

Christine

A senior walker user, she aims to have places to rest while waiting for transportation.

“I am a senior, and I use a walker. 
So I have a mobility need to have accessible areas that I can easily access, and then I also get tired easily. So I'd like to make sure we have places to rest while we're waiting for our public transportation.

I joined the CAT committee to find out what efforts UTA makes to provide all groups with accessibility to public transportation. I just felt like I'd like to understand, listen, and have my input on this matter.

If you have the time to dedicate … come to meetings. Think about your questions and if they are helpful, your interest, if you are an influencer, etc. I know a lot of people that have been hesitant to use public transportation; Don't understand it. They don't know what kind of people use it, and they don't know the stance of how big an area on UTA serves.”

Robert

A deaf citizen and avid transportation user, he understands common frustrations.

“My name is Robert, and I have been deaf all my life. I have used mass transportation often in several cities, and I have personal experiences from both my own and others' frustrations.

I decided to join the CAT committee to foster fundamental independence for all riders with disabilities. This enables them to visit friends, attend social events, or do both (to improve their social well-being). It enables them to go to work (to earn money to support their families). It enables them to see a doctor or pick up medications (to be as healthy as possible). It enables them to go to school (to improve their quality of life). It is fundamental to have a “fuller life.”

You should join the UTA CAT committee if you believe that fully accessible transportation is a cornerstone of equal access to healthcare, employment, education, and other places where people with disabilities can live, work, and engage with their communities.”

Gracia

A senior citizen who cares about safety.

“As a senior citizen who lives on the 'West Side/Best Side' of town, travel safety and comfort are very important to me. It is exciting to be part of the CAT Committee, which is comprised of diverse movers and shakers. We all share a passion for helping bring about enhancements to our fabulous Utah mass transit service. Simple things like widening seating space on bus benches, for example, can make a huge difference for our ENTIRE community. It is so fun and gratifying to see our ideas put into practice to help each other!”

Chris

A blind citizen who wants to give back to the community.

“I have been legally blind for over 20 years. I wanted to be a member of the CAT Committee for several reasons. First, I wanted to make a contribution to the disability community in Utah. I think it’s important to share your personal perspective so people can begin to understand what obstacles hinder someone from enjoying life to the full extent possible. Secondly, it’s an opportunity for me to give back to those who have helped me to learn the skills that I needed to overcome my vision issues. Helping others along the way is critical for those coming up. Knowledge is power, so let’s spread what we have learned with others.”

Ken

A blind citizen who believes UTA is accessible and reliable.

“I joined UTA’s Committee on Accessible Transportation because, as a blind Utahn who relies on public transit, I know firsthand how essential accessible, reliable transportation is to my day-to-day responsibilities. I’ve spent years advocating for people with disabilities through organizations like the National Federation of the Blind and Achilles International, and CAT felt like a natural extension of that work. It gives me the opportunity to bring real-world experience to the table and help shape a system that works for everyone.

Apply Today

To anyone considering applying, I would say this: your voice matters more than you realize. CAT needs people who understand the daily realities of navigating transportation with a disability. If you care about improving access, strengthening independence, and making Utah’s transit system more inclusive, this is a meaningful way to make a direct impact. You don’t need to be an expert — you just need lived experience, a willingness to speak up, and a desire to help build a better system for our community.”

Improving accessibility starts with listening, and that starts with people like you. If you are ready to share your perspective and help make a difference, we encourage you to apply. Get started at rideuta.com/cat.

We Move Access. We Move You.