Saturday, April 26, will be the launch date for Utah Transit Authority's new FrontRunner commuter rail service, officials announced at the monthly UTA board of trustees meeting Wednesday.

The agency plans a rolling opening, with ceremonies planned for each of the eight stations on the new line. Festivities will begin in Pleasant View and head south to Salt Lake City, with state and local VIPs expected to participate in marking the opening day of service.

UTA spokesman Brandon Bott said plans are in the works to hold mini-events at each of the stops with a goal of recognizing the host cities at each stop.

"We hope to tailor the celebrations to the communities at each of the stations," Bott said.

At the conclusion of the opening day activities, passenger service will become available. Bott said that the schedule of events is still in flux, but it is likely that the trains will be carrying customers sometime Saturday afternoon.

No fares will be collected on Saturday, or during weekday service the following Monday through Wednesday, April 28-30. Thursday, May 1, will mark the beginning of fare-required service.

Commuters can expect to pay $2.50 for a ride from one station to the next, with a 50-cent charge for each additional station up to a maximum of $5.50. A one-month FrontRunner monthly pass will be available for $145, which is also good for passage on UTA bus and TRAX service. Stubs from single-ride FrontRunner fares may be used as bus and TRAX transfers to get riders to their destinations.

Initial FrontRunner trains will pull three of the new bilevel passenger cars that accommodate commuters with upper and lower seating areas, worktables with power access and high-speed Wi-Fi internet access. Restrooms are also available on each car.

Opening simultaneously with FrontRunner north rail service will be the Salt Lake Intermodal TRAX line. The new TRAX extension connects the Salt Lake commuter rail station, 250 S. 600 West, with existing TRAX service south of the city and to the University of Utah.

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E-mail: araymond@desnews.com