Salt Lake Transit News Thread

[bob rulz]

Originally Posted by Future Mayor

That is the point. If the partial cover was a full cover, similar to the design they have, it would block the view of Union Station from 17th S. Thus why they left the middle part open.

This could easily be solved by just putting in a glass wall or even a large window though. That design looks cool, and I'm all about cool-looking things, but I'm even more about cool-looking things that are also practical.

Originally Posted by Future Mayor

I agree I don't see the high speed, maglev type trains in Utah's future as our commuter rail. I could see us having a piece of a larger regional/national high speed train in the future though. I see the high speed trains connecting major areas/large cities in different states, then the local (FrontRunner) system takes people to the other cities within the local region.

Example, for Maglev. LA to Vegas, Vegas to Phx, Vegas to SLC, SLC to Denver etc.

As great as this would be, when exactly would this happen? Probably not in our lifetimes. That's probably hundreds of billions of dollars and decades of construction time right there. It would be a project at least on the scale of - if not beyond - that of the interstate highway system. Obviously America is slowly getting more transit-friendly, but ingrained attitudes and viewpoints don't just change overnight. I could never see the federal government funding a system like this, and I could never see the overall public going for it either.

[CountyLemonade]

Some August 2014 change day rumors (take it with a grain of salt y'all):

> If the Black Line comes to fruition in August—still a big if—it'll only run between North Temple FrontRunner and Stadium. (Someone may have already stated this.)
> Avenues bus service is to be consolidated, with the 3 and 6 combining into one route. This is to provide more frequent service along a single corridor. The fate of the 11 is still to be determined.
> The 33 will be absorbed by the 35M.

We'll find out in the next month or two when UTA comes out with its change day proposals what they'll end up going with.

[stayinginformed]

Originally Posted by CountyLemonade

Some August 2014 change day rumors (take it with a grain of salt y'all):

> If the Black Line comes to fruition in August—still a big if—it'll only run between North Temple FrontRunner and Stadium. (Someone may have already stated this.)
> Avenues bus service is to be consolidated, with the 3 and 6 combining into one route. This is to provide more frequent service along a single corridor. The fate of the 11 is still to be determined.
> The 33 will be absorbed by the 35M.

We'll find out in the next month or two when UTA comes out with its change day proposals what they'll end up going with.

Yeah, the ending at Stadium for the black line was mentioned in the Trib article about it. I am really disappointed that it is not going to the end of the line.

[bob rulz]

I don't get the point of that alignment for the Black Line. I get there are costs involved, but that seems almost useless.

[Hatman]

Originally Posted by CountyLemonade

> If the Black Line comes to fruition in August—still a big if—it'll only run between North Temple FrontRunner and Stadium. (Someone may have already stated this.)

This makes sense based on where ridership comes from. Make an easy connection between FrontRunner, Downtown, and the U.
However, I don't think there is any way to switch cars from one track to another between North Temple and Arena. I suppose they could have Black Line trains enter Arena station on the wrong side then switch over before Temple Square station... Or there is also a switch directly west of North Temple Station, which would require trains to pull through North Temple station, switch tracks and switch operating ends while sitting on the mainline, then return...
Either way would be very intriguing from an operational point of view.

[Palladio]

Originally Posted by Hatman

This makes sense based on where ridership comes from. Make an easy connection between FrontRunner, Downtown, and the U.
However, I don't think there is any way to switch cars from one track to another between North Temple and Arena. I suppose they could have Black Line trains enter Arena station on the wrong side then switch over before Temple Square station... Or there is also a switch directly west of North Temple Station, which would require trains to pull through North Temple station, switch tracks and switch operating ends while sitting on the mainline, then return...
Either way would be very intriguing from an operational point of view.

In that case, it may as well pull through to Jackson/Euclid.

Still, having seen the budgets, trax trains are infinitely cheaper to operate than buses, especially considering the cost per passenger. I think I speak for a majority here when I say I'd like to see it go all the way out to the airport.

[H4vok]

Lyft ride sharing to launch in Utah

SALT LAKE CITY — The ride sharing app Lyft will launch a fleet of local drivers Friday night in Salt Lake City. Lyft's app-based rider sharing program allows people who need a ride to pick a driver in their area then pay with their credit card in the app. The service aims to build community by linking drivers with people who need rides. Lyft states in their ads for drivers and promotional videos that drivers can meet a new person every day while making up to $25 per hour. Some Salt Lake City leaders are mulling over how the service will fit in among more conventional transportation options. "We know that this type of mobility option is certainly very interesting," said Robin Hutcheson, Salt Lake City's Transportation Director. "Whether it's good or bad is beside the point. It's an evolution in how people are choosing to be transported." Since it is a new concept, this type of ride-sharing service isn't regulated in Utah. Several taxi companies said Lyft should be regulated the same way they are. And taxi drivers spend a lot of money to get properly registered with the city. The Salt Lake City Airport Ground Transportation office is in charge of enforcing those regulations. Manager Larry Bowers didn't even know about Lyft's impending launch until today. Bowers said he intends to consult with the Mayor's office, because he believes Lyft drivers would be operating illegally.

Currently, ground transportation operators have to carry a business license, must be badged through the airport and must undergo strict security screenings from the Transportation Security Administration. Bowers says he believes "substantial penalties" and fines are likely if Lyft drivers operate without becoming properly registered through the city.

A Lyft spokesperson said that each of their drivers undergo thorough background checks and vehicle inspections. They are also backed by $1 million in additional liability insurance through the company. Hutcherson said she's taking a close look how Lyft and other ride-sharing apps have fared in other cities. "We know that it does provide people with other options in mobility, so it's certainly something that we're interested in seeing how it evolves nationally and here as well," Hutcherson said.


Read more at http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=29487477#zF32LkjFJJJXLZOZ.99

[downtownslcresident]

I now live in Phoenix, and we have Lyft here. I have the app on my phone and I love it! Super easy and super convienent. Much cheaper alternative to Taxi cabs, and a way better experience too. I have used the app a number of times as an alternative to a taxi when out drinking with friends, and the app actually allows you to PICK the driver that takes you to your destination, and then review your experience for other riders to see later. Some of the drivers even make sure to have the extra conveniences in their cars for the riders like water bottles, snacks, extra phone chargers, etc to make sure their customers have a good experience.

Sounds to me like SLC Taxi drivers are just being greedy and upset that someone with a better product is about to come in and rightfully earn their customers.

[DCRes]

This sounds very similar to UBER. I was introduced to UBER when I was in Chicago last year. I was amazed at how many people I overheard saying that they were going to get a ride on UBER, it was a very integrated part of their culture.

[CountyLemonade]

The rumors for the 3/6 and 33/35M were unfounded, it turns out. UTA has released proposals for major changes it wants to implement come mid-August.

Of note:

• the 9 and 17 return to all-day thirty-minute service and are extended to University Hospital
• the 45 (which improves to fifteen-minute frequencies) and the 47 are rerouted to Murray Central Station, mirroring the routing that the future SLCC–Murray BRT will take
• improved service in East Millcreek with a rerouting of the 228
• improved circulator routes around Lehi FrontRunner (serving Adobe, IM Flash, Xactware, and the business park surrounding the station)

We should know much more by mid-July, but UTA is adding and rerouting service as quickly as it can. Take heart.

[Palladio]

Originally Posted by CountyLemonade

The rumors for the 3/6 and 33/35M were unfounded, it turns out. UTA has released proposals for major changes it wants to implement come mid-August.

Of note:

• the 9 and 17 return to all-day thirty-minute service and are extended to University Hospital
• the 45 (which improves to fifteen-minute frequencies) and the 47 are rerouted to Murray Central Station, mirroring the routing that the future SLCC–Murray BRT will take
• improved service in East Millcreek with a rerouting of the 228
• improved circulator routes around Lehi FrontRunner (serving Adobe, IM Flash, Xactware, and the business park surrounding the station)

We should know much more by mid-July, but UTA is adding and rerouting service as quickly as it can. Take heart.

Glory hallelujah!!!

The 17 is my bus, and it would make my life infinitely easier if it goes to all day service.

[delts145]

Big, pricey future Utah highway projects unveiled

Lee Davidson, The Salt Lake Tribune

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/57837285-90/bangerter-commission-cost-county.html.csp

The Utah Transportation Commission on Friday unveiled the next highway projects it plans to fund — including rebuilding a key stretch of Interstate 215 in Salt Lake County, improving the "spaghetti bowl" interchange, and converting more stretches of Bangerter Highway into true freeway.

Sen. Wayne Harper, R-Taylorsville, also made a surprise announcement to the commission that legislators may push a major road bill soon to issue bonds to finish even more big projects — such as the Mountain View Corridor in western Salt Lake County...

.

[StevenF]

The commission also proposes a $46.2 million project to build a new freeway-like interchange on Bangerter Highway at 600 West, and another at Bangerter and 9000 South for $49.2 million.

I am excited for these projects. Will be nice once all of bangerter is converted to freeway interchanges. My only question is 600 west? The only location that crosses 600 west is on the south end and there is no street in that location that I can see on google maps.

I didn't know about the bangerter interchange at redwood road and happy to here about that.

[Comrade]

Originally Posted by bob rulz

As great as this would be, when exactly would this happen? Probably not in our lifetimes. That's probably hundreds of billions of dollars and decades of construction time right there. It would be a project at least on the scale of - if not beyond - that of the interstate highway system. Obviously America is slowly getting more transit-friendly, but ingrained attitudes and viewpoints don't just change overnight. I could never see the federal government funding a system like this, and I could never see the overall public going for it either.

Exactly. That money would be better spent invading another Middle East country, decimating its infrastructure and then spending trillions building it back up...

But seriously, it'd be nice if our government invested as much money on America as they did war.

[AllOutOfBubbleGum]

Originally Posted by StevenF

The commission also proposes a $46.2 million project to build a new freeway-like interchange on Bangerter Highway at 600 West, and another at Bangerter and 9000 South for $49.2 million.

I am excited for these projects. Will be nice once all of bangerter is converted to freeway interchanges. My only question is 600 west? The only location that crosses 600 west is on the south end and there is no street in that location that I can see on google maps.

I didn't know about the bangerter interchange at redwood road and happy to here about that.

The 600 west bangerter intersection will be perfect for that area. It is unfortunate that UDOT couldn't see that the current situation is a problem. But I drive down bangerter every few weeks and I look at the intersections that could change to freeway intersections now. 9000 ... yes ... Redwood ... yes ... 12600 ... no ... 9800 ... maybe ... 11400 ... no... 4100... yes ... 13400 ... no ... 10400 ... maybe... 2700 west ... yes. all depends on encroachment issues.

Some of these intersections were surrounded by empty fields just 5 years ago and UDOT never thought to preserve the area for future expansion. I think 12600 is the worst they allowed business to build right up to the highway and in 15 years, if they are going to build a freeway interchange then those buildings will have to go and part of or most of 11400.

I have not read the link that delts posted but I'm excited. I've only lived out west for less then a year but if everything is built within the next 10 or so years then I will be happy. Especially Mt View!!! completing that to at least 201 would cut 10 minutes off my commute to downtown.

[Future Mayor]

I think they will be creating the 600 W interchange and connecting it to Vista Station Blvd. The 200 W intersection is ridiculous, again, UDOT dropped the ball by not providing any additional space at that intersection for future expansion. I'm not sure how they'll deal with the current traffic at 200 W, maybe they will simply allow for traffic to turn right either on or off Bangerter, still providing traffic for those businesses, but moving traffic that wants to go left to the 600 W area.

[Old&New]

How about more rail lines? I remember taylorsville not supporting the tax for TRAX because the new system would not run inside their boarders. Why not reallocate these funds toward mass transit? I'd much rather see a west side rail line built before mountain view corridor is completed.

[AllOutOfBubbleGum]

Originally Posted by Old&New

How about more rail lines? I remember taylorsville not supporting the tax for TRAX because the new system would not run inside their boarders. Why not reallocate these funds toward mass transit? I'd much rather see a west side rail line built before mountain view corridor is completed.

5600 West is currently slated for mass transit projects out west. They will have to have Mt View done before they start to tear up 5600, unless you love traffic jams up the wazzo. There are no streets that run North South long enough between Bangerter and 5600 West that would take traffic off 5600 when it will get worked on. Mt View will have to become that road from I-80 to about DayBreak.

[Makid]

5600 W. will first get BRT with dedicated bi-directional lanes from 2700 S. to 6200 S. UTA is and has been working on purchasing ROW for the full length of the line.

Once Mountain View is a full freeway, projected around 2030-2035, the 5600 BRT line must be converted to LRT. That is the requirement in the EIS for approval of the project by the federal government.

The full length LRT line would extend from the existing Airport ending to the International Center and then run South down or near 5600 W. At or around 2700 S. it will then become center running and run down the center of 5600 W in the upgraded BRT dedicated section.

From there it will run south to approximately 9800 S where it will join the existing end/beginning of the Red Line.

Further plans have it running further south into Herriman and possibly further south from there but that alignment isn't fully known. The Herriman extension probably won't happen until 3500 S BRT line is upgraded to Streetcar or LRT.

Eventually a further south LRT connection between Herriman, Riverton and Draper is planned to take over a planned BRT connection.

I do try to keep up on the transit expansion in the SL Valley when possible.

[AllOutOfBubbleGum]

Originally Posted by Makid

5600 W. will first get BRT with dedicated bi-directional lanes from 2700 S. to 6200 S. UTA is and has been working on purchasing ROW for the full length of the line.

Once Mountain View is a full freeway, projected around 2030-2035, the 5600 BRT line must be converted to LRT. That is the requirement in the EIS for approval of the project by the federal government.

The full length LRT line would extend from the existing Airport ending to the International Center and then run South down or near 5600 W. At or around 2700 S. it will then become center running and run down the center of 5600 W in the upgraded BRT dedicated section.

From there it will run south to approximately 9800 S where it will join the existing end/beginning of the Red Line.

Further plans have it running further south into Herriman and possibly further south from there but that alignment isn't fully known. The Herriman extension probably won't happen until 3500 S BRT line is upgraded to Streetcar or LRT.

Eventually a further south LRT connection between Herriman, Riverton and Draper is planned to take over a planned BRT connection.

I do try to keep up on the transit expansion in the SL Valley when possible.

You just summed up why I turned down buying a house close to 5600 west (by close I mean with in 100 feet). I knew they would be bringing Trax down 5600 eventually and did not want to be in a situation were no one wanted to buy my house with a trax stop 100 feet away. I've lived next to Light rail lines in Europe and do not recommend it. Those things rumble quite a bit, but I will admit, it was nice always having public transportation right there.

On another note if LRT makes a complete circle in the valley and in between we focus on street cars to connect everything inside said circle that would be a very efficient set up for public transportation. I know it won't happen in my lifetime but at least it's started.