Salt Lake Transit News Thread

[CountyLemonade]

Here's my (somewhat) ideal situation:

The new Silver Line runs between the U and the airport. This creates a nice, easy connection between the U, downtown, North Temple FrontRunner, and the airport. It does wonders for connecting huge, walkable swaths of Salt Lake City proper. Muy bien.

Revert the Green Line to its original routing, West Valley–Central Station. You could keep the Green Line as it is currently, running to the airport via North Temple, but I don't think North Temple is ready quite yet for seven-minute frequencies. Plus (and the major obstacle for the time being), funding.

I would be quite happy with the state of light rail in our city if those two changes were implemented. I mean, even more so than I am currently. Then, as Scott said, the focus should shift on restoring bus service that was lost in the past few years.

And I agree with you, Scott, that the Silver Line would be the perfect candidate for at the very least late night service. The airport. Downtown. All the new housing going up along 400 South. The U. If UTA could add night service to only one line, the hypothetical Silver Line would be a stellar choice.

[UTAZLoVer]

I agree that would be the best candidate for late runs. Especially on Sundays and Holidays - those are high volume flight days yet have the most limited TRAX/rail schedules. I flew in from SF after a great weekend in Tahoe Monday night. Trains were on a Sunday schedule since it was a Holiday, and so the last train left the airport at 8 something PM. My flight arrived at 11 and the airport was PACKED with arrivals. So many people could have taken the train. I was forced to pay 40 bucks for a cab ride. No bueno.

[SLCdude]

Let's take a vote. I know we all want both, but pick one:

A) An East-West line connecting the University to Downtown.
or...
B) Later train service. (let's say trains 15 mins apart until 1AM, then trains 20 mins apart until 2AM)

[SLCdude]

Originally Posted by SLCdude

Let's take a vote. I know we all want both, but pick one:

A) An East-West line connecting the University to Downtown.
or...
B) Later train service. (let's say trains 15 mins apart until 1AM, then trains 20 mins apart until 2AM)

I choose option B, because I don't mind the transfer at courthouse station. It is typically 5-10 minutes long. I WANT an East-West line, but I think later train service would be a better use of funds... assuming I had to pick only one.

[CountyLemonade]

Oh, definitely option B.

[ajiuO]

A

[livedowntown]

Option B.

I think it would increase late night restaurant and bar traffic letting people stay after work to meet friends and do stuff without worry that they need to catch the train. This leads to more business and more demand for future routes.

I live downtown and I took Trax a few blocks to temple square and got caught because I missed the last train on a Sunday. I was able to walk home without a problem but if you live a long way away this could really ruin your experience.

[Zmapper]

Perhaps a cost-neutral option "C" should be considered: Peak-only crosstown service, and late night trains 30 minutes apart. This way, crosstown service is introduced when it would be used the most, and late night customers have service at a tolerable frequency.

[Orlando]

Did anyone even know that they were constructing the Sandy Draper extension? It's almost ready to open to the public. Here's a recent article:

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/86558...afety-on-new-Sandy-Draper-TRAX-line.html

Test runs have already begun on the 3.8-mile extension of the UTA Sandy-Salt Lake (Blue) Line from the terminal at 10000 South in Sandy to Pioneer Road (12400 South) in Draper. The line is scheduled to officially open to the public on Aug. 18.

[justiny]

Originally Posted by Orlando

Did anyone even know that they were constructing the Sandy Draper extension?

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=4990252&postcount=2445

[Stenar]

Yep, we've discussed that for years. It was technically finished back around January or so, but UTA decided not to open it originally until December. I'm glad they've moved up the opening date to August.

Originally Posted by Orlando

Did anyone even know that they were constructing the Sandy Draper extension? It's almost ready to open to the public. Here's a recent article:

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/86558...afety-on-new-Sandy-Draper-TRAX-line.html

[Future Mayor]

This was mentioned on the Sugarhouse Thread, thought I'd bring it over.

Originally Posted by SLC_Rising

Its actually just showing where the eventual Streetcar extension will be in relation to the plaza...Also, good news, plans from UTA regarding the 200 S. Streetcar are being finalized, as well as MAX bus lines down State Street and 700 E.

Originally Posted by Makid

Do you know where we would be able to read more about this?

Originally Posted by SLC_Rising

I dont have a link because I work for UTA and talk regularly with one of our planners...I will do my best to get better detailed information for everyone. Im just not sure how much they want the public to know yet.

Originally Posted by Makid

Not a problem and I completely understand. Hopefully they will be able to release something publicly soon

Originally Posted by brankrom

Reading this makes me very happy.

I can't wait to see the ideas and go to the workshops. Any idea what the eastern terminus of the 200 S Streetcar will be?

Originally Posted by Future Mayor

From my understanding Phase 1 of the downtown streetcar will jog north on 200 E and and at Harmons. Let's keep our fingers crossed that we don't get the through the Rio Grande Depot option that was floated out there.

Now lets discuss the downtown Streetcar.

[Future Mayor]

These are the two options I'd like to see. Although I think it has been mentioned in the past that the streetcar would share track from Central Station to 200 S and 400 W, then have its own from that point eastward.

Orange represents shared track with Trax


This one bring access closer to Pioneer Park and could in essence extend Pierpont Ave an additional block to the west. This of course really would mean that the shelters would have to move.

[SLC_Rising]

I apologize, I was talking about transit news in the wrong thread and got caried away. Update though! UTA and SLC will be unveiling their plans in August during an open house for those who would like to attend (there will be an official date announcement), and Future Mayor, your first pic looks a lot like what I have seen regarding phase 1.

[brankrom]

Originally Posted by Future Mayor

These are the two options I'd like to see. Although I think it has been mentioned in the past that the streetcar would share track from Central Station to 200 S and 400 W, then have its own from that point eastward.

Orange represents shared track with Trax

I've noticed it before but every time I see a map of downtown... I just notice the miles of PARKING. Land use downtown has to be at least 50% parking add in the parking structures and we're talking an insane amount. It cracks me up when the downtown alliance does a survey of the people in the 'burbs asking them why they don't come downtown more at the top of the list is "Parking" really? One thing about downtown, there's sure a lot of potential for growth if we could get the do nothing parking lot owners to sell.

Now back on topic 200 S Steetcar phase 1 to Harmons... I'm guessing phase 2 will continue on 100 South to 700 East? I remember seeing some renderings in the Trib that showed the streetcar in the area of 500 E and 200 S with a park in the center median. I can't wait to see the city transit plan and see if the eventual terminus will be 200 S 1300 E or if it will turn south at 900 E to connect with the streetcar line coming from Sugarhouse (or both).

[slc801]

Originally Posted by brankrom

Now back on topic 200 S Steetcar phase 1 to Harmons... I'm guessing phase 2 will continue on 100 South to 700 East? I remember seeing some renderings in the Trib that showed the streetcar in the area of 500 E and 200 S with a park in the center median. I can't wait to see the city transit plan and see if the eventual terminus will be 200 S 1300 E or if it will turn south at 900 E to connect with the streetcar line coming from Sugarhouse (or both).

I would be disappointed if it went up 100 S rather than S Temple because I would love it to turn into more of a historic trolley (or at least have more of a historic component). There are some nice historical buildings on 100 S but nothing compared to S Temple. I also think that it would be quite doable without infuriating (at least too much) drivers. On the sides of S Temple are huge grassy areas, about 10 to 15 feet wide. By expanding the road to include these grassy areas, the trolley could be accommodated without compromising any traffic lanes. This expansion would not come at the cost of any of the historic old trees because all are located about 10 feet away from the road, closer to the sidewalk. I would love to see the road expanded, eliminating some of the grassy area, preserving the old trees, and adding a trolley line in the middle of the street.

[slc801]

I am excited for the August announcement about a downtown trolley. I was thinking that if the University to downtown line is revived, that would be a great time to announce it. So it might end up being a bigger announcement that just the downtown trolley.

[Future Mayor]

Originally Posted by slc801

I would be disappointed if it went up 100 S rather than S Temple because I would love it to turn into more of a historic trolley (or at least have more of a historic component). There are some nice historical buildings on 100 S but nothing compared to S Temple. I also think that it would be quite doable without infuriating (at least too much) drivers. On the sides of S Temple are huge grassy areas, about 10 to 15 feet wide. By expanding the road to include these grassy areas, the trolley could be accommodated without compromising any traffic lanes. This expansion would not come at the cost of any of the historic old trees because all are located about 10 feet away from the road, closer to the sidewalk. I would love to see the road expanded, eliminating some of the grassy area, preserving the old trees, and adding a trolley line in the middle of the street.

I have to disagree with you on this, I would hate to see South Temple any wider than it already is. The downtown Streetcar, from my understanding, will be like the portion that runs north in Sugarhouse, it will run in the traffic lanes. This being the case, I think 100 S or 200 S through east downtown makes more sense. S. Temple is a major E/W thoroughfare while 100 and 200 S aren't as much and I think there is more opportunity for redevelopment along those two routes. Redevelopment that will better integrate with a Streetcar. Just my opinion of course.

[John Martin]

South Temple is gorgeous. I would HATE to see it cluttered with a streetcar line. Let's keep it peaceful, quiet, and elegant.

[Stenar]

Originally Posted by SLC Projects

I think the best thing for people to do is just work at home. If they can. LOL.

Yep, working from home is great for the environment. I have worked from home for about 5 years now. My commute consists of crossing the family room from my bedroom to my office.