Commuter rail system speeding toward Utah

"The big machines look impressive, but they're insignificant to all that travel every place else in user-paid automobiles," said Packard.

Utah lawmakers are now considering legislation to adjust how UTA is governed. John Valentine, Utah Senate president, said some state officials question whether there's enough oversight and input into multimillion-dollar decisions made at UTA, a quasi-government agency.

"I am a very active supporter of commuter rail and really truly believe it will add a lot of assistance to our transportation problems," said Valentine. "There is an ongoing debate on how UTA makes its decisions and how the governance of UTA is occurring."

UTA officials are quiet about the issue. "As an agency we haven't seen any bills and legislation, but on the other hand, we know it's out there," said Jones.

Meyer, on the other hand, responds to Packard's concerns. First point: Commuter rail will conform to federal guidelines for emissions.

Second point: Commuter rail will provide greater access to both the bus and TRAX.

Third point: Voters in Weber, Salt Lake and Davis counties already agreed in 2000 to pay for commuter rail with a sales tax increase. That amount is small when compared to the federal funding UTA may receive for the project, he said.

The Federal Transit Administration could approve funding for up to 80 percent of commuter rail's cost, although the number is questionable according to some local officials.

In California, both Metrolink and the Coaster were funded by the state, cities and counties through local taxes. Federal dollars weren't requested. Voters in Denver just approved a $4.7 billion ballot initiative for public transit, which committed them to a sales tax increase.

The true question voters should ask is whether Utah's project is a "good project — regardless of who's paying for it," Meyer said.

He says commuter rail is needed.

"You talk to the folks in Weber and Davis and they say we certainly need it now," said Meyer. "We're putting in a base for another part of the transportation (solution) in this corridor. It's critically important."

Added convenience

Utah's first phase of commuter rail is expected to begin service by 2008. For now, transit officials throughout the West have one word for skeptics: patience.

"In the beginning, people will probably be judgmental," said Karen King, executive director of the North County Transit District, which operates the San Diego Coaster. "If you can get them to try it, they'll realize the extra 15 minutes it may add (to a commute) is well worth not being in traffic."