Light-rail mass transit will arrive in the Salt Lake Valley with a grand opening Saturday, three months earlier than expected and almost 50 years after electric trolleys disappeared from the Wasatch Front, seemingly for good.
Even if you were around when the Bamberger Electric Railroad made its last journey in 1952 or have experienced light rail in other U.S. cities, chances are you have a lot of questions about how the Utah Transit Authority's TRAX system will work once it starts regular service Monday and how you can take advantage of it.In an effort to help inform the public, the following questions were gathered from a variety of sources, including Deseret News readers and employees. The answers were prepared with help from UTA Public Safety and Security Administrator Mike Dorman, Rail Safety Administrator Ed Buchanan, Director of Transit Development Mike Allegra, Director of Rail Service Paul O'Brien and Communications Director Coralie Alder.
How do I buy a TRAX ticket? Unlike riding the bus, you must pay before you board TRAX. At least two ticket vending machines are available at each TRAX station. If you're riding a bus first, your transfer is good for a one-way trip on TRAX.
Buying an all-day pass or two one-way tickets is the same price ($2).
All-day passes, monthly passes and bus tokens can be purchased at UTA ticket outlets, located in the ZCMI Center Mall and grocery stores throughout the Salt Lake Valley.
Senior citizens and disabled riders pay only 35 cents to ride TRAX.
How do I use a ticket vending machine? Instructions on the computerized screens are easy to follow. Just deposit your money and touch the square corresponding to the type of fare you desire -- one-way ($1, good for two hours); all-day pass ($2, unlimited travel); and premium fare ($2 one-way, for those connecting with an express bus).
Does TRAX accept bus tokens? Yes, but you must use a vending machine to exchange them for a TRAX ticket before boarding a light-rail vehicle. One token equals $1.
Can I buy an annual pass? Not everyone can. A $32 monthly transit pass is available to the general public. It's good for regular bus and light rail service. The only way to get an annual transit pass is through participating employers, like the LDS Church and the University of Utah.
Is it more expensive to ride a bus and then ride TRAX? No. Your TRAX trip is included in your regular or express bus fare. Just ask the bus driver for a transfer. Likewise, when you buy a one-way TRAX ticket, you can transfer to a bus for free. (Express bus fares are $1 more.)
Will there be any promotional fares when the system opens? No. However, anyone can ride free during the grand opening on Saturday, with trains running from about noon to 9 p.m. And while the UTA board of directors has not yet made a decision on free-fare Saturdays for this year, the board traditionally offers free Saturday travel on its entire system during the holiday season.
Some people may receive complimentary day passes in the mail as part of UTA's marketing program. And efforts are being made to include free transit passes with the purchase of season tickets to certain downtown events, such as the symphony or Jazz games.
What if I ride TRAX without a ticket? Transit officers will board TRAX trains periodically and ask all passengers to show their tickets, transfers or passes. Riders who haven't paid can be cited.
The fine for not having a ticket is two times the rate of the monthly pass, or $64. Dorman said transit officers may only give warnings at first but soon will expect all passengers to have proof of payment.
When do the first and last trains leave each day? Northbound: On weekdays, the first train departs the Sandy Civic Center station (10000 South) at 5:30 a.m. and arrives at the Delta Center at 6:10 a.m. The last full-service train leaves Sandy Civic Center at 10:30 p.m. and reaches the Delta Center at 11:10 p.m. Three more trains depart Sandy Civic Center (at 10:45, 11:15 and 11:45 p.m.) but only go as far north as the Midvale Fort Union station (7200 South).
Southbound: On weekdays, the earliest full-service train leaves the Delta Center at 6 a.m. and arrives at Sandy Civic Center at 6:39 a.m. The last full-service train leaves the Delta Center at 11 p.m. and arrives at Sandy Civic Center at 11:39. One more train leaves from the Delta Center at 11:15 p.m. but only goes as far as the Fashion Place West station (6400 South), arriving at 11:45 p.m.
How often will the trains run? Northbound, full-service trains only: Weekdays, 5:30-7 a.m., every 15 minutes; 7-8 a.m., every 10 minutes; 8 a.m.-4 p.m., every 15 minutes; 4-5 p.m., every 10 minutes; 5-6 p.m., every 15 minutes; 6-8 p.m., staggered with gaps of five to 25 minutes between trains; 8-10:30 p.m., every 30 minutes.
Southbound, full-service trains only: Weekdays, 6-7:45 a.m., every 15 minutes; 7:45-8:45 a.m., every 10 minutes; 8:45 a.m.-4:45 p.m., every 15 minutes; 4:45-5:45 p.m., every 10 minutes; 5:45-7 p.m., every 15 minutes; 7-11 p.m., every 30 minutes.
How can I get a full TRAX schedule? TRAX schedules were be made available to the general public Nov. 17 and can be viewed on the Web site at (www.utabus.com). Schedules also will be posted at each TRAX station.
Will stops be announced? Yes, a tape-recorded voice will announce each station.
How easy is it for a disabled person to get on and off a TRAX vehicle? Access ramps at each station are located near the front of the train. A lever pulled by the operator lowers a platform that bridges the gap between the train and the station platform. A wheelchair occupant would simply wheel on board.
A yellow bar is located next to where wheelchair occupants ride. Pushing it lets the operator know the passenger is ready to depart the train at the next stop.
How long will TRAX stop at each station? About 30 seconds.
Will the doors shut after a certain amount of time, no matter what, like on a subway? They will close on their own, but you can push the button next to a door if you need one to remain open. The train will remain in the station as long as a door is open. However, no door will open when the train is moving.
What if I need help? During the first two or three weeks the system is open, UTA plans to have workers at each TRAX station and key bus stops to answer questions and help passengers make their bus-rail connections.
How fast will TRAX travel? A maximum of 55 mph in the rail corridor and a maximum of 25 mph, the established speed limit for motor vehicles, in downtown Salt Lake City.
Will longer TRAX trains travel more slowly? No. Each individual car has its own acceleration and braking system, so a four-car train moves just as fluidly as a two-car train.
Will TRAX automatically stop at every station? Yes, but only some of the doors may open automatically at each stop. If the door you want to enter or exit does not open when the vehicle stops, push the button next to it and the door will open.
How many people can fit on one vehicle? Each car has a seating capacity of 64 and can hold a total of 150 people, maybe more, when standing room is included. Each TRAX train will consist of at least two cars, providing room for more than 300 people.
Can I take my bicycle onto TRAX? Yes. Unlike some light-rail systems, passengers can take their bikes on TRAX at any time. Enter the middle doors of any TRAX vehicle to access the designated area for passengers with bicycles. You will have to stand with your bike.
Can the windows on a TRAX vehicle open? No. For safety purposes, the only windows that open are next to the operator. In an emergency, however, the rubber lining can be removed and windows pushed out.
Can I listen to a radio on TRAX? Yes. Headphones are encouraged as a courtesy to other passengers. Passengers with loud radios likely will be asked to turn them down.
Can I eat or drink while riding TRAX? No food or beverages are allowed on TRAX trains.
Will TRAX be heated in the winter and air conditioned in the summer? Yes.
Can I talk on a cell phone on TRAX? Yes.
Can I use my laptop computer on TRAX? Yes.
Can I plug it in? No, there are no outlets on TRAX vehicles.