Faster FrontRunner trips, better bus connections and new flexible bus routes among many service improvements to be implemented

On Aug. 23, Utah Transit Authority will make a number of significant changes to its FrontRunner, TRAX and bus services aimed to increase efficiency and improve the customer experience. The new changes include:

• Reduced travel time on FrontRunner between Salt Lake City and Ogden
• Improved coordination between express buses and FrontRunner to provide more frequent commuter service
• More direct TRAX trains between Sandy and the University of Utah
• Improved bus connections from Salt Lake Central Station to downtown and the University of Utah
• Three new "flexible" bus routes in Draper, Riverton and Tooele

"These changes will make our great service even better," said John Inglish, UTA general manager. "We're working hard to improve connections between our services and make riding easier and more convenient for our riders."

A new FrontRunner schedule will go into effect on Monday, Aug. 24. The new schedule reflects system upgrades and restructured operations at stations and sidings that will reduce the travel time between Salt Lake City and Ogden by several minutes. The new FrontRunner schedule is available at www.rideuta.com or by calling 1-888-RIDE-UTA (743-3882).

UTA has also improved coordination between FrontRunner and express bus routes 474 and 476: these routes serve the Roy and Clearfield stations. Individuals commuting to Salt Lake will be able to catch either FrontRunner or an express bus approximately every 15 minutes during the morning commute from these stations.

TRAX riders who ride the Sandy line to the University of Utah will now have direct service to and from the University to Sandy every 30 minutes between 5:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

UTA will also implement improvements to bus service at Salt Lake Central Station, located at the Intermodal Hub. A brand new route, #2 - 200 South, will run every 15 minutes along 200 South between the Intermodal Hub, the University of Utah and University Hospital. This provides additional direct service to downtown and destinations along 200 South.

In addition, all buses serving Salt Lake Central Station at the Intermodal Hub will pick up riders at the southern-most stop near the TRAX and FrontRunner platforms prior to beginning their routes. This means riders will no longer need to walk north to the bus bays to board. They can wait at the southern-most stop until their bus picks up.

Other new bus service includes the introduction of new 'flexible' routes in Draper, Riverton and Tooele. These flex routes run a fixed route through the community, but will deviate up to 3/4 mile off course for just $1 more. Route deviations are reserved in advance and can be requested up to two hours before the scheduled time.

UTA will also modify TRAX service to Salt Lake Central Station. Sandy trains will terminate at Arena station, while University trains will continue to Salt Lake Central Station. Individuals on a Sandy train desiring to continue to Salt Lake Central should transfer to a University train or bus to complete their trip.

For a full list of UTA changes on Aug.23, visit the UTA website at www.rideuta.com/changeday.