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A new bus from the bus rapid transit system from the Utah Transit Authority is unveiled after a joint Orem and Provo city council meeting Thursday, July 13, 2017, in Provo. The bus is brand new and features rear-view cameras, air conditioning, new seats and more.

Dominic Valente, Daily Herald file photo

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Utah Valley University students ride the UVX bus from the Orem FrontRunner station to UVU’s Orem campus during the first day of classes on Monday, Aug. 24, 2020.

Johnny Morris, Special to the Daily Herald

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The Utah Transit Authority is celebrating the fifth anniversary of the Utah Valley Express line, nicknamed UVX.

It didn’t come easy. Prior to its installation, several groups and individuals were against a variety of issues, including the route, beautification efforts and removal of trees along University Ave., and issues along 900 East by Brigham Young University.

Negotiations also included free ridership for 10 years for anyone taking the route from south Provo by BYU and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Missionary Training Center, University Place Mall, Utah Valley University and across Interstate 15 to a new intermodal hub that is close to student housing in Orem. Both Orem and Provo locations also feature FrontRunner access.

To commemorate this anniversary, a special birthday celebration is planned to occur from 4-6 p.m. Tuesday at the Orem Central and Provo Central stations.

The event will include activities, giveaways and prizes, and an opportunity for riders and supporters to come together and share their “UVX-periences,” according to UTA spokesperson Carl Arky.

UVX began service on Aug. 13, 2018.

According to the UTA, UVX service has played a significant role in reducing traffic congestion, promoting sustainable travel options and fostering connections among residents. It is on its way to reach its 10 millionth rider this year.

“We are immensely proud of UVX and are committed to continuously enhancing the travel experience for our passengers,” said Mary De La Mare-Schaefer, regional general manager of UTA’s Timpanogos Service Unit.

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