Readers give thumbs up to TRAX, 529s

Most of my reader-feedback columns lately have focused on frugality, but I have been hearing from you on other topics, too.

For example, several of you echoed my thoughts from last month's column on the joys of commuting via TRAX instead of automobile.

Ed sent me an e-mail to say he and his wife are senior citizens and ride TRAX often to downtown concerts, Jazz games and social events.

"For us, the fare used to be 75 cents, but I believe it is now $1 — still a bargain when compared to the cost of fuel and downtown parking fees," Ed wrote. "Other perks for us were the free rides in the downtown area and the chance to avoid traffic jams after events and the opportunity to ride in comfort to the end of the line and avoid wet or icy roads. For many years, I also worked downtown riding the old 'express buses,' and what a treat it would have been for me to have access to TRAX at that time.

"In the future, TRAX will run close to us in South Jordan, and we look forward to that new benefit. We, along with thousands of other people in the valley, have come to realize the benefits of TRAX, and that's obviously why ridership is much higher than TRAX officials anticipated."

You're not alone in your excitement about future TRAX expansion, Ed. I'm sure I'll have more company on the rails soon!

One of those people may be Laris, who sent an e-mail about her recent FrontRunner and TRAX "adventure."

"The FrontRunner was clean and smooth and had only one short stop between Farmington and (Salt Lake City)," she wrote. "The TRAX took us where we were going, with very little waiting. After our visit, we reversed the route and came home. The pluses were we didn't have to get into that awful gridlock on I-15, and we didn't have to look for a parking space or a paid lot when in the city. The cost for two senior citizens was about what the cost of gas would have been without paying for a parking space.

"We were tired when we returned home but realized it is possible to go someplace without driving. We know we're spoiled and like our own transport, but all in all, it was a great adventure. Glad to know you have become a TRAX user."

I'm glad, too, and I'm sure I'll be even happier with my decision as the winter weather hits. I will not miss driving during those "commuter special" snowstorms we seem to get every year.