Salt Lake Transit News Thread - Page 331

jubguy3 · #**6601** Posted **Dec 30, 2015, 1:15 AM**

That route is only slightly more effective than local bus. The 215 loop provides the distinct purpose of fixing the foothill drive situation and connecting the mountains.

Future Mayor · #**6602** Posted **Dec 30, 2015, 5:39 PM**

We may see some transportation options in Lehi sooner rather than later.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orsNApanT4g

The one thing about this video that isn't addressed is why those jobs located there and now are demanding transit options, when they could have easily located in areas with existing infrastructure. Not all millennials want to work and live in the burbs.

s.p.hansen · #**6603** Posted **Dec 30, 2015, 6:32 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Future Mayor

We may see some transportation options in Lehi sooner rather than later.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orsNApanT4g

The one thing about this video that isn't addressed is why those jobs located there and now are demanding transit options, when they could have easily located in areas with existing infrastructure. Not all millennials want to work and live in the burbs.

Software companies and their leaders have proven they can tackle many diverse issues, alternative energy, electric and self driving cars, privatizing space travel, 3D printing, ending polio in India, and so forth. But we have yet to see an Elon Musk or Bill Gates of quality city building and affordable housing models. All their offices are about commuting to a self contained world in a campus instead of moving into a community and interacting with it. Perhaps this is where a culture of autism and nerdiness finds its greatest limitation, interaction...

I do think things are getting better based on what appears to be a millennial pull on software companies to move into the downtowns of cities like San Francisco and Seattle.

Makid · #**6604** Posted **Dec 30, 2015, 8:10 PM**

I think most of us saw that this was coming.

With the next session happening in an election year, I do think it is probable that we will see something happen with expanding transit connections between SL County and Utah County.

The options that I can see being considered are:

1. State offers up direct funds for Trax expansion to Lehi. ($300-400 Million) This would be bonded over a few years to cover the costs.

2. State increases sales taxes in SL County and Utah County by .25% to pay for Trax expansion through Lehi/AF and the rest of the funds would be used to operate and enhance transit within the Counties.

Going with either option, they would need to put a requirement in the bill that states Trax must be extended to Lehi or AF by no later than 2020. That should give enough time for the EIS to be completed for Utah County. The State could also use this information to lure additional companies as well as to help increase density around the planned stations.

Because it is an election year, the above options are all that I can see happening. I do lean more towards option 1 though as they may risk being caucussed/primaried if they vote to increase taxes directly even though this is the best option for sustained transit growth (Ridership, route increases, conversions (Bus to BRT to Trax/Streetcar) and expansions (double tracking Frontrunner, increased frequencies and new rail lines as density necessitates).

ThePusherMan · #**6605** Posted **Dec 31, 2015, 12:36 AM**

I just don't understand why Lehi is attracting so much tech while offering none of the culture or infrastructure that those companies prioritize when the Granary district is full of empty warehouses ripe for the picking.

Liberty Wellsian · #**6606** Posted **Dec 31, 2015, 1:07 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThePusherMan

I just don't understand why Lehi is attracting so much tech while offering none of the culture or infrastructure that those companies prioritize when the Granary district is full of empty warehouses ripe for the picking.

Much more space to develop that is easier and cheaper? Big Houses that are affordable in Alpine? Great views? Easy access to a beautiful canyon?

I would like to see a lot of that development in SLC too but I can see why they may choose the point.

Stenar · #**6607** Posted **Jan 1, 2016, 12:45 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThePusherMan

I just don't understand why Lehi is attracting so much tech while offering none of the culture or infrastructure that those companies prioritize when the Granary district is full of empty warehouses ripe for the picking.

Those companies have pretty much entirely been started by people from Utah County. They locate in Lehi to be in Utah County but attract workers from SL Co.

i-215 · #**6608** Posted **Jan 1, 2016, 6:52 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stenar

Those companies have pretty much entirely been started by people from Utah County. They locate in Lehi to be in Utah County but attract workers from SL Co.

Exactly. It offers the shortest drive for the largest potential population of tech/software people. Gateway loses out on the Utah County people. Riverwoods misses out on the Salt Lake County people.

Hatman · #**6609** Posted **Jan 4, 2016, 4:48 PM**

I hope we see some movement towards better transit to the point. A new source of funding for TRAX would be excellent. Build it now and let the point grow around it, rather than the reverse, since the line will eventually extend that far anyway.

I'm going to repost a picture of the Hardware development at North Temple Bridge TRAX/FrontRunner station, because I think it is an awesome improvement:

The most obvious change is the 'Outdoor Plaza' at the south entrance to the FrontRunner platform, which is good - but the best change is the inclusion of a 'bus drop-off area' directly adjacent to the platform, which is facilitated by continuing 500W south, under the bridge, to connect with 50N. That was the missing link and will allow the buses to stop much closer to the station, rather than at the sad little exposed bus shelters currently hiding between 200N and 300N. I hope this 'Drop-Off Area' actually means 'Bus-Stop Area', and that the old stop location can be totally replaced.
I love it when Transit and Development works hand-in-hand. This development makes me happy.

Makid · #**6610** Posted **Jan 4, 2016, 5:40 PM**

On more thing to remember about the Hardware station area as well as 4th West north of North Temple is that it is slated to get additional transit.

I think the plan is to start with BRT going to Centerville and then another service to the Farmington FrontRunner station. Over time, the Centerville section will be upgrade to a streetcar/Trax as demand and economics allow.

I can see this growth expanding a bit as the additional transit options come online over the next 5 years or so (current plan for BRT).

Hatman · #**6611** Posted **Jan 5, 2016, 12:30 AM**

You can learn many things by glancing through UTA's Twitter account, such as that UTA is wanting to use a federal grant to replace their old buses with these Li-on Battery-electric buses:

.
Or this brand-new FrontRunner bike rack, that I had heard was going to be installed a while back. I guess no one who posts here takes their bike on FrontRunner:

(I was browsing through the twitter account to see how UTA would react to this accident on N Temple. Why can't drivers follow the rules and not hit TRAX trains? It's beyond me.

delts145 · #**6612** Posted **Jan 5, 2016, 12:09 PM**

Hatman, You probably have read by now that the driver who smashed head on at a high rate of speed into the train, was likely under the influence. Also, had caused a hit and run just minutes before, and had been arrested just a few months previous for dangerous incidents while under the influence. Why wasn't this idiot behind bars?

RC14 · #**6613** Posted **Jan 5, 2016, 12:56 PM**

Future Mayor · #**6614** Posted **Jan 7, 2016, 3:56 PM**

What's everyone's opinion on the best way to serve the Granary District with Trax, and why?

Orange breaking off the Main line just north or Ball Park, with two stops in the Granary District.

Or Marroon/Orange turning west at 700 S when the main line heads east, with two stops in the Granary.

Hatman · #**6615** Posted **Jan 7, 2016, 7:12 PM**

I like your use of the old rail alignment between Ballpark Station and 700S/400W. If a trail were put alongside the rail alignment through that diagonal section, it could become a short linear park, sort of like a 2-block long S-Line.

My only change would be to continue that orange line north on 400W until connecting with the future TRAX line at 400S, rather than having it jog over to 600 W. I don't see as much potential on 600W as I do along 400W, and 400W already has an old railroad track down the wide center median. Though if you see future development differently I'd be interested to hear your reasoning it.

Future Mayor · #**6616** Posted **Jan 7, 2016, 7:46 PM**

I do like that idea of taking it up 400 W, as it allows much more development to be adjacent and within a block, than the 600 W option does.

Trax:
Orange Line - Central Station to Big Cottonwood Canyon
Yellow line - Downtown Circulator

Street Car:
Pink - D-line

Liberty Wellsian · #**6617** Posted **Jan 7, 2016, 8:33 PM**

Yellow?

or maybe this is better

ThePusherMan · #**6618** Posted **Jan 7, 2016, 8:48 PM**

I'm a huge proponent of getting trax to run along 4th west (Orange) in order to connect Granary to Downtown. The 9 line needs to go in. We need more East and West connections. Connecting the 9th and 9th area with central 9th and 9th west is a no brainer. I would also love to see lines run from sugarhouse down foothill and connect with the University. The east needs some transit love and connecting sugarhouse to the U and by extension downtown is another smart move.

Liberty Wellsian · #**6619** Posted **Jan 7, 2016, 9:21 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThePusherMan

I'm a huge proponent of getting trax to run along 4th west (Orange) in order to connect Granary to Downtown. The 9 line needs to go in. We need more East and West connections. Connecting the 9th and 9th area with central 9th and 9th west is a no brainer. I would also love to see lines run from sugarhouse down foothill and connect with the University. The east needs some transit love and connecting sugarhouse to the U and by extension downtown is another smart move.

I think running a line down Indiana into Poplar Grove could have a big impact. Lot sizes and property values could make it easier for TOD's to be built out there.

Hatman · #**6620** Posted **Jan 8, 2016, 12:14 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Future Mayor

Orange Line - Central Station to Big Cottonwood Canyon

I like that destination pairing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liberty Wellsian

I think running a line down Indiana into Poplar Grove could have a big impact. Lot sizes and property values could make it easier for TOD's to be built out there.

I wonder if anyone ever considered running TRAX or a streetcar down the 9 line corridor before it was converted into a trail. It could still be done as an upgrade later on, keeping a wide pedestrian trail next to two streetcar tracks. Like the S-Line. (For all my gripes about how the S-Line is run and how extensions are being planned, I absolutely love the linear park the S-Line created!)