All aboard, UTA Frontrunner commuter train arrives in April

Everyone knows the price we pay driving to and from work. Peer pressure aside, we all contribute pollution to the inversion, empty our wallets to rising gas prices, and lose years off our lives dealing with nerve-racking traffic. This April some relief is on the way, at least for those in Weber and Davis counties, with the arrival of the Utah Transit Authority’s (UTA) Frontrunner Commuter Train.

A January test-ride by the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) provided a first hand look at the once mythical Frontrunner, and a glimpse into the future way of commuting to work by rail. Fellow travelers met at the Woods Cross Station and hopped aboard for a short trip at speeds reaching 79 miles per hour to Kaysville.

“I am impressed with the smoothness of the ride,” said Brandon Smart, the Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) webmaster who lives in Ogden and commutes by bus into the office. “In the summer, I’m looking forward to catching Frontrunner to the Salt Lake transfer station and riding my bike into the office.”

The red, white and blue, bi-level train carried two rail cars (three rail cars when regular service begins) with 130 seats per car and a 200 person capacity. More comfortable than other mass transit options, the Frontrunner seats offer more leg and elbow room than the average bus or plane. Large windows offer a great view and may tempt you to wave to the automobile drivers left to battle I-15. Passengers also have free access to wi-fi internet, center tables on the upper floors, a bathroom, and additional room for bikes at entry floor levels. The high-speed diesel-electric powered engine was noise free and returned us back before we knew it.

There are eight stops from Pleasant View to the Salt Lake City Inter-Modal Hub located at 250 South 600 West (see map http://rideuta.com/files/CommNorthFactSheet0807.pdf ). A second phase is planned to extend commuter service from Brigham City to Payson for service by 2012.

Frontrunner officials feel connecting bus routes will accommodate the Salt Lake workforce efficiently and UTA will make assessments as operations begin. Trains will operate every 30 minutes between 5:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday; from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, and will not run on Sundays.

“I can see riding Frontrunner a lot,” said Steve Higley, director of Support Services for DEQ who lives in Kaysville. “It will be a great way to travel to Salt Lake City to Jazz games and other events.”

Fares may seem expensive until compared with costs associated with fuel and parking. The cost of the Frontrunner is $2.50 to travel between two stations and an additional 50 cents for every station after that. A monthly Frontrunner pass goes for $145.

UTA and many State Agencies encourage mass transit with a discounted Eco-Pass.

Rick Sprott, executive director of DEQ, purchased Eco-Passes for all employees. And for a mere $20, employees can purchase the premium Eco-Pass with a Frontrunner fare that includes passage on Trax light rail and express buses.

“This will give our employees an opportunity to practice what we preach about driving less in order to improve the air,” Sprott said.

Additional information is available on the UTA Frontrunner commuter train website at: http://www.rideuta.com/projects/commuterRail/default.aspx or by calling the hotline at 1-877-UTA-RAIL.

The article was written by David Allison, community involvement specialist with the Office of Planning and Public Affairs.