The tracks use a continuous weld that eliminates the clickity-clack of railroad trains.

"It's quieter for the neighbors and smoother running for the train," Meyer said, "less wear and tear on the vehicles and at the joints."

Officially, Meyer said UTA expects to complete the Provo-Salt Lake line by 2012, but UTA spokeswoman Carrie Bohnsack-Ware said TRAX and commuter rail projects have all finished under budget and ahead of schedule, and Utah Valley leaders say they've been told 2011.

Final decisions have not been made for fares on the southern end, but FrontRunner North fares will be $2.50 to travel from one station to the next, then 50 cents per additional station up to a maximum of $5.50 per trip. If a rider also uses TRAX or a UTA bus to get to FrontRunner, that cost would be deducted from the FrontRunner fare.

And a FrontRunner rider can disembark and finish a trip for free on TRAX or a bus.

A monthly FrontRunner pass will cost $145. Each train will be equipped with power outlets and Wi-Fi, something being added now to UTA express buses that carry passengers between Provo and Salt Lake City, Bohnsack-Ware said.

The price tag for 44-mile FrontRunner North is $611 million. The 45 miles of FrontRunner South are expected to cost about $765 million.

A FrontRunner ride from Salt Lake City to Ogden is expected to take about 52 minutes. The trip from Provo to Salt Lake City would take about 60 minutes.

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E-mail: twalch@desnews.com