Train is out in front: Test runs preparing UTA's FrontRunner for commuters

A steady, low-level "whoosh" is the only sound you can hear as the cushy, bilevel car sways slightly. You'd think you were traveling at a leisurely, Sunday-drive pace if it weren't for the steady stream of freeway traffic that you can see being left behind.

Welcome to the world of commuter rail, as afforded by the Utah Transit Authority's new FrontRunner north train line. Test service began on March 15, with trains running close to their regularly scheduled times in preparation for the start of passenger service this spring.

UTA spokeswoman Carrie Bohnsack-Ware said the testing/training phase has gone very well and a date for the start of operation "will be announced in the very near future."

Bohnsack-Ware spoke about the new commuter option on a media test-ride Monday.

"The opening of FrontRunner service, along with the new Legacy project, is going to dramatically change the environment for commuters living north of Salt Lake City," Bohnsack-Ware said.

Riders will be able to catch trains about every half-hour during the morning and evening rush hours, with off-peak service running hourly. Service times on weekdays will be 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., with Saturday service from 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. No Sunday service is currently scheduled.

Bohnsack-Ware said UTA is estimating about a one-hour commute time from Salt Lake to Ogden. The fare schedule for riding FrontRunner will be a base charge of $2.50 for service to one station, with each additional station adding 50 cents to the fare, up to a maximum of $5.50. A monthly pass is expected to cost about $150, with discounts for seniors and students at Weber State University and University of Utah. The monthly passes and the single ride ticket stubs will allow connecting passage on UTA bus and TRAX service for no additional charge.

Commuter rail service is expected to be extended to Provo by about 2013.

In addition to a quiet and efficient ride, the 12 commuter rail cars, which were manufactured by the Canadian company Bombardier at a cost of $29 million, have seating with small worktables in about half of the sections, on-board high-speed Wi-Fi Internet access and power outlets at all the worktables. Passengers will also find restrooms on the lower level of each car.

During the test phase of service, trains are required to issue warning horn blasts at each of the 43 crossings on the 44-mile line, but will discontinue that practice at the start of regular service. Each of the crossings are double-gated to prevent a driver from going around the safety guard.