Train is out in front: Test runs preparing UTA's FrontRunner for commuters
Welcome to the world of commuter rail, as afforded by the Utah Transit Authority's new FrontRunner north train line. Test service began on March 15, with trains running close to their regularly scheduled times in preparation for the start of passenger service this spring.
UTA spokeswoman Carrie Bohnsack-Ware said the testing/training phase has gone very well and a date for the start of operation "will be announced in the very near future."
Bohnsack-Ware spoke about the new commuter option on a media test-ride Monday.
"The opening of FrontRunner service, along with the new Legacy project, is going to dramatically change the environment for commuters living north of Salt Lake City," Bohnsack-Ware said.
Riders will be able to catch trains about every half-hour during the morning and evening rush hours, with off-peak service running hourly. Service times on weekdays will be 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., with Saturday service from 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. No Sunday service is currently scheduled.
Commuter rail service is expected to be extended to Provo by about 2013.
In addition to a quiet and efficient ride, the 12 commuter rail cars, which were manufactured by the Canadian company Bombardier at a cost of $29 million, have seating with small worktables in about half of the sections, on-board high-speed Wi-Fi Internet access and power outlets at all the worktables. Passengers will also find restrooms on the lower level of each car.
During the test phase of service, trains are required to issue warning horn blasts at each of the 43 crossings on the 44-mile line, but will discontinue that practice at the start of regular service. Each of the crossings are double-gated to prevent a driver from going around the safety guard.
Part of the purpose of the test phase, in addition to tweaking schedules and putting new equipment through its paces, is training a new corps of train engineers, almost all of whom are coming from the ranks of UTA bus drivers and TRAX operators.
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Herc | April 3, 2008 at 9:05 p.m.
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Why Michael, Why? | March 28, 2008 at 2:19 p.m.
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