UTA Named Best Transit System In US; Plus Best Salt Lake Bars

Utah's public transit system has received the 2014 Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award given by the American Public Transportation Association, the international industry organization representing the United States and Canada.

The system provides, bus, light rail and commuter rail through Utah's population center, which includes the Salt Lake, Provo, Ogden and Park City areas. Riding public transportation, visitors can easily get from Salt Lake International Airport to downtown SLC hotels and the Park City ski resorts.

The Deseret News has this article on the award. Below are excerpts.

There are three such awards based on the size of the transit system. UTA won for large systems providing 20 million or more annual passenger trips. The agency has previously been honored in 1986, 1996 and 2002.

Last year, the agency experienced a year of record ridership exceeding 44 million boardings, along with the opening of multiple new light rail lines. During a 12-month period concluding in December 2013, UTA opened four rail lines including one commuter rail line, two light rail lines, and Utah’s first modern streetcar line.

Best Bars In Salt Lake City

TheUtahReview.com has this post listing what it calls the best bars in Salt Lake City. Written by Kelli Nakagama, the post identifies great drinking spots by various criteria. Here's the introduction and then a summary of the list.

The Salt Lake City bar scene is finally overflowing with places to drink. Several new bars just joined the scene while old favorites continue to be great standbys. These days there’s a bar for all your drinking needs, you just have to know where to go.

• For whiskey: Whiskey Street
  
• For wine: BTG Wine Bar
  
• Creative cocktails: Bar X
  
• For beer: The Beerhive
  
• For dinner + drinks: Copper Common
  
• For watching sports: Lumpy's Downtown
  
• For Secret Meetings: The Rest
  
• For a great view: The Green Pig
  
• To catch up with friends: Dick 'n Dixe's
  
• Late night pub and grub: Beer Bar
  
• For date night: The Red Door
  
• Best bar with a patio: Gracie's
  
• Off the beaten path: The Garage