35th S. Bus Rapid Transit
Beginning Service July 14
Introducing “MAX” a new way to ride the bus! Starting July 14, 2008, the Utah Transit Authority will launch a faster, more convenient way to take transit along 3500 South. MAX is Utah’s first bus rapid transit line. MAX will connect Magna and West Valley City to TRAX at 3300 South.
Limited stops along 3500 South and traffic signal priority are just some of the features that make MAX fast and allow you to get where you’re going more quickly.
Planning on going to a basketball game, shopping downtown, to the Expo in Sandy, or riding Frontrunner to Ogden? Get there faster by taking MAX to TRAX. While operating the same hours as TRAX, MAX allows you to catch the first train in the morning and will be there waiting as you exit the last train at night.
Get out of the slow lane and take a ride on MAX.
Features of UTA’s 3500 South MAX line:
- All day service that matches TRAX (5:30 am -12:30 am) with 15-minute frequency in addition to local route 35 service
- Traffic signal priority
- Ticket vending machines at each MAX station, pay your fare at the station
- New 3-door, low floor buses
- Board and exit at any of the 3 doors on the bus
- ADA boarding through larger center door
- Fewer bus stops along 3500 South to reduce travel time
- New lighted bus shelters
- Unique bus and shelter design
Additional information on Bus Rapid Transit and this project is available on the following pages:
Proposed 3500 S. BRT Map (click to enlarge):
Download PDF Version of Map (740 KB)
(best for more detail or printing)
BRT Frequesntly Asked Questions:
What is Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)?
BRT is an enhanced way to provide faster, prioritized bus service in specific corridors. It uses technologies like signal prioritization and dedicated lanes to provide fast, efficient and dependable bus service.
What type of BRT service will be operated on the 3500 South line?
UTA will open the 3500 South BRT line with service improvements that differ from regular bus service, such as signal priority, reduced spacing between stops, high frequency service and improved stops. UTA will later move to a BRT system that will include a center running fixed guideway. This guideway will be built from 5600 West to 2700 West allowing BRT buses to operate in a separate corridor from regular traffic, further enhancing dependability.
What are the new buses like?
UTA has ordered 10 BRT buses from the Belgian manufacturer, Van Hool. The buses are equipped with full stainless steel frames and body panels, top mounted cooling systems, 330 horsepower Cummins ISL motors, object detection systems and full low-floor boarding capabilities. Wider isles, center ADA boarding, more windows, unique European styling and improved ride quality will further enhance the riding experience for passengers. In addition to providing an improved riding experience, these key components will reduce vehicle maintenance and extend vehicle life. BRT buses will also have a new and unique paint scheme.
How much does it cost to ride?
The Max BRT line has the same fare as the local bus or TRAX. Currently $1.75. Your MAX ticket can also act as a transfer to TRAX or bus.
Do you still pay your fare at the farebox on the bus?
No. Just like TRAX, MAX will have ticket vending machines at each station. Riders will purchase tickets before boarding. They will not need to show the driver their fare and can board and exit at any of the three doors. The middle and rear doors also have exterior buttons to open the doors when boarding.
If riders don’t pay at the farebox, how are fares checked?
As on the TRAX system, UTA transit police officers will randomly board and check fares.
Does MAX stop at all of the bus stops along 3500 South?
No. MAX will have limited stops at key points along the corridor. Each MAX stop will have distinct shelters and signage. MAX will save approximately 25% of travel time from Magna to the 3300 South TRAX compared to the current local bus route.
What is signal prioritization?
Each MAX bus has an emitter that sends a signal to the traffic light at each intersection. As the bus approaches the intersection a green traffic light will hold for the bus to clear the intersection. This helps reduce transit time and improve reliability.
Overview
The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) is in the initial stages of constructing Utah’s first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line on 3500 South in Salt Lake County. Future BRT plans include:
- 1300 East BRT
- Redwood BRT
- South Davis BRT
- Tooele BRT
- Washington Blvd. BRT
- Eastern Trans Corridor BRT
The 3500 South BRT line will run from Magna to the 3300 South TRAX Station covering 10 miles, containing 23 bus stops and linking riders to light rail.
BRT service is sometimes referred to as “light rail on rubber tires” because it provides the speed and dependability of light rail service. The BRT will reduce the span time to run from the west end of the line to the east end or vice versa. The BRT will offer the rider a 15 minute headway and faster destination trips. The 3500 South line will be constructed in two phases:
Phase 1 will deploy a type-one BRT, meaning it contains the following characteristics:
- Buses travel in mixed traffic
- Buses use signal prioritization
- Buses maintain high frequency service of 15 minutes or less
- Passenger shelters are upgraded
- Stops have reduced spacing, one-half to one-quarter-mile apart
This will provide for greater reliability and regularity, reduced delay, and higher speeds. Phase 1 is scheduled to launch July, 2008.
Phase 2 will construct a center-running Bus Rapid Transit from 2700 West (Constitution Boulevard) to 5600 West. Construction will be starting late Spring, 2008. This project will allow BRT buses to operate in a separate corridor from regular traffic, further enhancing dependability.
When the West Valley City Light Rail Transit project is constructed the 3500 South BRT will adjust to coordinate with the system.
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Proposed 3500 S. BRT Map
(click to enlarge):
Download PDF (310 KB)
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Station Rendering
(click to enlarge):
Download PDF (243 KB)
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NOTE: Adobe® Reader® is required to view PDF files. This is a free download on the Adobe.com website. Some files may take a few minutes to download, due to file size.
Vehicles
UTA has ordered 10 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses from Belgian manufacturer, Van Hool. The buses will be used to open Utah’s first BRT line on 3500 South in West Valley City. The buses are equipped with full stainless steel frames and body panels, top mounted cooling systems, 330 horsepower Cummins ISL motors, object detection systems and full low-floor boarding capabilities. Wider isles, center ADA boarding, more windows, unique European styling and improved ride quality will further enhance the riding experience for passengers. In addition to providing an improved riding experience, these key components will reduce vehicle maintenance and extend vehicle life. BRT buses will also have a new and unique paint scheme.
BRT focuses on: speed, reliability, and comfort.