Frequently Asked Questions
Is typical commuter rail the same as UTA TRAX?
Commuter rail is not the same type of service as TRAX. TRAX is a "light rail" system, which typically have more frequent stops than commuter rail. Light rail is also typically used for trips that are shorter in duration.
Light rail is powered by electricity and reaches top speeds of approximately 65 mph. The Weber County to Salt Lake City Commuter Rail Project will use diesel locomotives and two level passenger coaches to carry passengers. The top speed of the commuter rail system is 79 mph.
Where is the commuter rail line located?
In September 2002, the Utah Transit Authority completed a purchase of 175 miles of railroad rights-of-way from Union Pacific Railroad. The rights-of-way stretch from Brigham City to Payson, preserving valuable rail corridors for decades of transit projects along the Wasatch Front.
The first phase of the commuter rail alignment will extend from Weber County to Salt Lake City and lies on the east side of the existing Union Pacific (UP) Railroad mainline tracks. The alignment will extend 44 miles, contain 38.15 miles of exclusive right-of-way, share 5.87 miles of track with UP, have 43 at grade crossings and two bridges spanning the Union Pacific Ogden Rail Yard. View Map
When is the FrontRunner commuter rail segment between Weber County and Salt Lake City planned to be finished?
UTA anticipates opening the FrontRunner Commuter Rail Line between Weber County to Salt Lake City commuter rail line in Spring of 2008.
How is the commuter rail project funded?
Funding for the commuter rail project comes from several sources. First, from federal funds. Second, from the ¼ cent sales tax increase passed in 2000 by voters in Weber, Davis and Salt Lake Counties. Third, from local match generated by improvements made by local governments and private developers.
How can FrontRunner commuter rail benefit me?
Traffic congestion along the Wasatch Front, Davis County in particular, is an ever-increasing problem. With the population steadily increasing, transportation solutions are crucial to avoid further congestion. Commuter rail can provide a fast, comfortable and efficient transit alternative. For example, instead of being frustrated from sitting idly in traffic on I-15, you could be reading a newspaper or talking to a friend while quickly getting to your destination. Commuter rail service could be good for all your transportation needs, whether going to work, shopping, sporting events or just for a fun ride!
Can FrontRunner commuter rail really save me time?
During peak commute times, your commute on the train may be shorter than your time would be on the freeway covering the same distance. Trains typically average speeds of 60 miles per hour while traffic on I-15 may average 35 miles per hour during rush hour.
Where are stations planned for commuter rail?
Eight stations are currently proposed along the 44-mile Weber County to Salt Lake City commuter rail line. Each station will have an 850-foot platform to accommodate a 10-car consist, park and ride lots and bus staging. The proposed station locations include:
- Salt Lake City: 200 South 600 West, at the City's intermodal hub
- Woods Cross: 700 South 800 West
- Farmington: east of the new Park Lane bridge
- Layton: south of Gentile on Main Street
- Clearfield: 1250 South State Street
- Roy: 2500 West and south of 4000 South
- Ogden: at Ogden's Intermodal Center at 24th Street and Wall Avenue
- Pleasant View: north of 2700 North at about 1200 West
How much may it cost me to ride FrontRunner commuter rail?
UTA has announced that the FrontRunner commuter rail base fare will be $2.50 for transportation to the next station and $0.50 for each additional station passed. The maximum fare from Pleasant View to Salt Lake City would be $5.50.
How often will the FrontRunner commuter rail trains run?
FrontRunner will run a minimum of every 30 minutes during daytime hours and an hourly night time service. FrontRunner service will run from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturdays. No Sunday service is scheduled at this time. Limited service from Ogden to Pleasant View will be supplemented with express bus service.
How could commuter rail connect with other forms of transit?
The stations along the FrontRunner commuter rail line are planned to bus transfer sites, which may be similar to how riders transfer between bus service and TRAX. Park & ride lots are proposed for each station.
Intermodal Centers are transportation "hubs," offering connecting service to other forms of transit. Two of the proposed commuter rail stations are located at the site of intermodal hubs, one in Ogden and one in Salt Lake City.
At this time, UTA is working with Salt Lake City to extend TRAX from the Delta Center to the Salt Lake City Intermodal Hub.
Is safety on FrontRunner commuter rail trains, at stations and in parking lots a concern?
Safety has been and will always be a top priority for UTA, and the agency's bus and TRAX system have excellent safety records. Riders in other communities consistently report that safety is one of the primary reasons they ride commuter rail, and UTA is actively studying safety and security measures on the commuter rail vehicles, at the stations and in the park and ride lots.
Is FrontRunner commuter rail accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes. Commuter Rail including its stations and park and ride lots will be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Can I give input on the FrontRunner commuter rail project?
Yes. UTA wants commuter rail to be a "community rail" project and has implemented a pro-active public outreach program. Your comments and questions can be submitted through this website or by calling UTA at 1-877-UTA-RAIL. In addition, you can join a mailing list on this website to keep up to date with the project.
