New TRAX line improves transportation for commuting students
Reading Time: 2 minutes This December, TRAX will be open for commuters from Salt Lake City to Provo.
In addition to the new TRAX rail from Provo to Salt Lake City, Utah Transit Authority will be making changes to the nearest bus routes to better serve those riding TRAX. These services will officially be available for public use on Dec. 10, 2012.
Commuting can be costly, as most students know. Those coming from Salt Lake City to Orem brave high gas prices, traffic and packed parking lots. The introduction of the new bus routes and the TRAX line will to cut down the commute hassle for hundreds of people.
“We are excited for the opening of the new FrontRunner line,” UTA General Manager Michael Allegra said in a press release on Aug. 10. “It will not only increase commuter service between Salt Lake City and Provo, it provides an opportunity to make improvements to overall transit service in Utah and Salt Lake counties.”
Those who drive I-15 from Salt Lake to Orem know how crowded and dangerous that particular section of the freeway can be, especially in the winter. Students making the commute to school will enjoy the ability to leave their cars at home and use safer, more cost-effective transportation.
“I think it’s a good idea,” said Ashleigh Witmer, a senior. “It cuts down on driving costs to go see Salt Lake City. I don’t go very often but I would go more if TRAX were open.”
Marking the path between two of Utah’s busiest cities, the opening of the FrontRunner line will provide opportunities for not only commuters, but for all people needing to travel to the opposite county.
“I would take it up to my cousins in Brigham city,” sophomore Kirsti Dye said. “I can’t drive my car, so TRAX is helpful.”
The new transportation option will not only help those who will use it but is expected to reduce traffic for those who will continue to drive on the freeway.
UTA will answer questions and hear public comments through the end of August. Allegra plans to appear at public hearings throughout August in both Utah and Salt Lake counties and will be available to hear input about the proposal in a Twitter chat on Thursday, Aug. 23, beginning at 4:30 p.m. The conversation can be followed using the hashtag: #utaservice.