Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is FrontRunner the same as UTA TRAX? 
   Commuter rail is not the same type of service as TRAX. TRAX is a "light rail" system, which typically has more frequent stops than commuter rail. Light rail is also typically used for trips that are shorter in duration.
   
   Light rail is powered by overhead electrical wires and can reach a top speed of 65 mph. The FrontRunner Project will use diesel locomotives and two level passenger coaches to carry passengers. The top speed of the commuter rail system is 79 mph.
   
   
2. Where will the FrontRunner South line be built?
   The 45-mile FrontRunner South line will be constructed within the existing UPRR right-of-way on the east side of the existing track from Salt Lake Central Station in downtown Salt Lake City to 9800 South in Sandy then transitioning to the west side of the track until Provo.
   
   
3. When will the FrontRunner South line be finished?
   The FrontRunner South project is part of UTA’s FrontLines 2015 project and is committed to be operational by 2015. Construction schedules and availability of funds for construction and operations may allow for an earlier opening date.
   
   
4. How is the FrontRunner project funded?
   In November 2006, residents in Utah County voted to increase their sales tax by $.0025 in order to fund accelerated work on four light rail projects and the FrontRunner South line. These projects were originally part of the Wasatch Front Regional Council’s 2030 Long-Range Plan. The additional funding accelerated the delivery of these projects 15 years earlier than projected.
   
   
5. How can FrontRunner benefit me?
   Traffic congestion along the Wasatch Front and Utah County in particular is an ever-increasing problem. With the population steadily growing, transportation solutions are crucial to avoid further congestion. Commuter rail can provide a fast, comfortable and efficient transportation alternative.
   
   
6. Can FrontRunner really save me time?
   Yes. During peak commute times, your commute on the train may be shorter than your time would be on the freeway covering the same distance. FrontRunner trains have top speeds of 79 miles per hour.
   
   
7. Where are stations planned for FrontRunner?
   Eight new stations are currently proposed along the 44-mile Provo to Salt Lake City commuter rail line. Each station will have a platform for boarding, park and ride lots and bus staging. While final station locations and configurations are being determined with municipalities, general station sites include:
   
   - Murray: Vine Street/5300 South
   - South Jordan: 10200 South
   - Draper: (future station)
   - Lehi: Near Thanksgiving Point
   - American Fork: South of Main Street
   - Vineyard (future station)
   - Orem: University Parkway
   - Provo: University Avenue
   
   
8. How much may it cost me to ride FrontRunner?
   The fares may change before the Provo to Salt Lake segment of FrontRunner is complete. FrontRunner fares are distance-based. For information on current FrontRunner fares, please visit the fares page.
   
   
9. How often will FrontRunner trains run?
   Currently, FrontRunner operates Monday through Friday from 4 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. with daytime trains running every 30-minutes and hourly night trains. FrontRunner operates hourly on Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 1:30 a.m., and trains do not operate on Sundays.
   
   
10. How could FrontRunner South connect with other forms of transit?
    The stations along the commuter rail line are planned to have bus transfer sites, which may be similar to how riders transfer between bus service and TRAX. In addition, park and ride lots are planned for each station.
    
    Intermodal Centers are transportation "hubs," offering connecting service to other forms of transit (i.e. local bus, Bus Rapid Transit, etc.) Initially two station sites—Orem and Provo—would also be intermodal hubs. The Murray and Salt Lake stations will feature connections to TRAX and bus service.
    
    
11. Is safety on FrontRunner trains, at stations and in parking lots a concern?
    Safety is a top priority at UTA. UTA’s buses, TRAX and FrontRunner systems have excellent safety records. Riders consistently report that safety is one of the primary reasons they ride commuter rail. FrontRunner trains use a state of the art train control system. UTA actively monitors safety and security on the commuter rail vehicles, at the stations and in the park and ride lots.
    
    
12. Is FrontRunner accessible for people with disabilities?
    FrontRunner trains are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Once the train is stopped, train hosts can place a boarding plate for low-floor boarding, if needed, for persons with disabilities.



13. What is a quiet zone?
    UTA is working to make crossings safer and the railroad corridor quieter between Provo and Salt Lake. As with UTA’s FrontRunner North system, UTA will make safety upgrades to at-grade crossings and work with municipalities along the FrontRunner South alignment to establish Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) quiet zone status.
    
    The 44-mile stretch of railroad between Pleasant View and Salt Lake is the nation’s longest continuous stretch of quiet zone. UTA intends to have a quiet zone established between Provo and Salt Lake before beginning FrontRunner South revenue service.
    
    With the establishment of a quiet zone, neither FrontRunner nor freight trains will be required to sound their horns at crossings. This is what you’ll be missing.



14. What are the steps involved with the quiet zone implementation process?
    There are multiple steps involved with establishing a quiet zone. The steps are outlined below.


-Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) safety calculations are performed and zone meets risk threshold needed for quiet zone implementation
-City issues a Notice of Intent (NOI) to establish a quiet zone
-60-day comment period follows the NOI
-Necessary safety improvements for at-grade crossings are completed
-Necessary signage is posted
-City issues a Notice of Establishment (NOE) for a quiet zone
-Train horns are silenced for three weeks after issuing the NOE
-The quiet zone is implemented three weeks after issuing the NOE


15. Which at-grade crossings will be upgraded as part of the quiet zone process?
    In order for municipalities to successfully achieve quiet zone status, safety upgrades must be made to at-grade crossings. Safety upgrades include the installation of 60 to 100 foot raised medians and active warning devices at each applicable crossing. Below is a list of crossings that will be receiving safety upgrades. Click on the each crossing to view its corresponding design.


Utah County:

-Provo: 200 West, 500 West, 700 West, 900 West, Draper Lane, 820 North, 1680 North, 2800 West
-Orem: 2000 South, 800 South, 400 South
-Vineyard: Geneva Road, 4000 North
-Lindon: 600 South
-American Fork: 1500 South, 1100 South, 100 East, 100 West, Storrs Avenue, 200 South
-Lehi: 7350 West Millpond Road, 300 East (potential closure), Center Street, 300 South (potential closure), 200 South, Main St., 500 West, 900 North, 1220 North (potential closure), 1500 North, 2100 North

Salt Lake County:

-South Jordan: Jordan Gateway, 10000 South
-Sandy: 9400 South
-Murray: 5900 South, Vine Street, 4800 South Murray Hooladay Road, 4500 South Frontage Road
-Salt Lake City: 1700 South, 900 South, 800 South


16. 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.