Commuter rail is our wisest move
With the introduction of commuter rail to the Wasatch Front, UTA is proud to provide a portion of the shared transportation solution to Utah's congestion problems while providing an excellent value to taxpayers as a fiscally responsible agency.
The benefits of commuter rail are numerous. To begin, Utah cannot afford to build enough highway lanes to meet current and future demand. Commuter rail will provide Utahns with an efficient transportation option that can grow with demand. As ridership increases, capacity on commuter rail can increase threefold with no additional construction. Commuter rail will have a positive impact on congestion by taking more than 10,000 cars off the road each day, the majority of them in the peak commuting period.
This is not to say that I-15 and other highway projects are not badly needed, but Packard's insinuation that transit is not cost-effective when compared to highways is incorrect and misleading. The elected officials of this region have approved a shared solution of both highway and transit improvement projects.
In addition to cost and congestion benefits, the first phase of commuter rail will save travel time from Pleasant View to Salt Lake City compared to driving. It will also provide riders with an additional 50 minutes of productivity, as they will be able to work, read, or relax during the comfortable ride.
Commuter rail will complement transportation solutions already in place. Buses and HOV lanes alone are simply not enough to meet future travel demand. While buses fill a great need to the community, they share the crowded road with all other commuters trying to move between Salt Lake and Weber counties. Commuter rail runs on a separated, fixed guideway that will allow commuters to travel at speeds up to 79 mph..
TRAX provides an excellent example of how fixed rail systems have a positive impact on transportation infrastructures. In 1999, before TRAX, UTA's bus system carried just over 23 million riders; in 2004 UTA carried more than 34 million passengers on its bus and TRAX system, an increase of more than 11 million riders. TRAX alone is carrying more than 44,000 passengers per day. During peak commuting hours, ridership on the TRAX Sandy/Salt Lake Line carries the equivalent of one lane of traffic on I-15.
In addition to the operating revenue UTA receives from local sales taxes, the agency has received $673 million in federal funding over the past decade. On average, Americans receive $3.90 in transit funding from the Federal Transit Administration. Citizens in UTA's service district receive an average of $301.49 per citizen. These federal dollars could have gone to other transit agencies such as New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, etc. Instead the money was awarded to Utah because of UTA's innovation, leadership and impeccable record of completing projects on time and on budget.
Steve Meyer is the manager of Commuter Rail Engineering and Construction, Utah Transit Authority
Comments
- Knicks sign first-round pick 10:59 a.m.
- Armstrong third, Leipheimer fourthe 10:58 a.m.
- 6.0 quake in China 10:43 a.m.
- Big Ben celebrates 150 years 10:42 a.m.
- North Korean cyberattacks? 10:39 a.m.
- China raises death toll from riots 10:37 a.m.
- 'Smart Home' block party in Provo 10:35 a.m.
- Man injured in Taylorsville stabbing 10:22 a.m.
- Dispose of old TVs 10:16 a.m.
- Man killed in motorcycle crash 10:16 a.m.
- Jazz brass debate Millsap match
- LDS seminary principal arrested
- 2 men cited on LDS plaza
- Jazz finances not quite so bleak
- HBO defends U. logo use in 'Love'
- Reactions on Boozer speculation
- Cash for Clunkers to get rolling soon
- Utahns among Texans' investors
- Man spots his stolen car
- Jazz rookies quiet Thunder youngsters
- LDS seminary principal arrested
234 - Jazz brass debate Millsap match
151 - Bronco collecting a galaxy of recruits
141 - Jazz talking Boozer trade?
138 - Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
124 - 2 men cited on LDS plaza
103 - Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake
95 - Fairness of BCS debated
81 - Chaffetz eyes challenging Bennett
76 - Letters: Single-payer system best
75
By now you've probably read about the investigation that showed just how...
Sen. Scott Jenkins was name-checked by Jay Leno Monday night during his...
While reading most of the comments by the fans of BYU and Utah, one could say...
It's going to be funny in 20 years when all this seems stupid, and you are on...
When I can finally establish in every moment of my life peace, forgiveness,...
Same can be said about the beauty parlor, or any other place where we shed...
Reading all of this makes my heart wrench. I was raised LDS and I have been...
I'm sick of the articles saying he's like every other man with temptations....
To the 7:04 commentator, They are also married. Beyound that, what...
lets go dig it up they're not indeginous to here or related to us. but i...
That is a terrible lead! When did this happen? What does this picture from 10...
"Who are you calling a pedophile? While I do believe Mr. Pratt is guilty of a...



You can be the first to comment on this story.