BUSINESS + ECONOMY

UTA moves off $1 billion proposal for TRAX at Point of the Mountain

Jan 21, 2021, 8:33 AM

brand new rail cars...

Twenty brand new rail cars on the TRAX Blue Line are coming soon thanks in part to a $60 million grant. Travelers get off a TRAX train at the Draper Town Center stop in Draper on Wednesday, May 10, 2017. The stop is the terminus of the Blue Line. (PHOTO: Deseret News)

(PHOTO: Deseret News)

DRAPER, Utah — The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) is ditching the proposal of a $1 billion TRAX line at Point of the Mountain. The proposed line would have stretched from Draper to Lehi and advocates claim it would have sparked development in the area, especially around the soon-to-be vacated state prison site at the Point of the Mountain.

Discarding TRAX proposal, targeting BRT

The decision from UTA comes following a year and a half study into transit expansion in the area. In the end, officials decided that it would make more sense to build a less expensive bus rapid transit (BRT) system.

“They both would have economic and land-use benefits,” Patti Garver, Point of the Mountain Study project manager told the UTA Board last week.

She says the 8-mile BRT project will likely cost somewhere between $300 million and $400 million. Additionally, Garver points out that a BRT system can be built much more quickly than a TRAX line.

Before the UTA Board makes a final decision, the agency will seek buy-in from city councils, regional planning agencies and a UTA advisory board of local leaders.

Buses in a BRT system are longer and often have road lanes exclusively for their use.

“You wouldn’t know that you are not on rail because the vehicles are almost like train cars in design,” Garver told the UTA Board.

Looking at other BRT systems

UTA is planning to build a BRT system between downtown Ogden and Weber State University. They are also studying possible BRT’s from northern Utah County to Orem or Provo and from Davis County to downtown Salt Lake City.

The current Utah Valley Express BRT system in Orem and Provo offers service every 6 minutes at peak times, which is often quicker than TRAX. It also has been enjoying free fares since it opened thanks to a federal grant.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Business + Economy

EVERETT WALMART, EVERETT, WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES - 2023/04/19: An empty cart is seen near an emp...

Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN

The real reasons stores such as Walmart and Starbucks are closing in big cities

Several forces are pushing Walmart and Starbucks out of some city centers: a glut of stores, people working from home, online shopping, exorbitant rents, crime and public safety concerns, and difficulty hiring workers.

11 months ago

graduates are pictured, the us is offering some student loan debt forgiveness...

Associated Press

The US has approved $42 billion in loan forgiveness for public service workers. Here’s what to know

The program is separate from U.S. Supreme Court is currently considering whether that plan can go ahead.

11 months ago

people at restaurant eating on mother's day pictured...

Alexandra Peers, CNN

Why Mother’s Day is the most hated day in the restaurant industry

The National Retail Federation forecasts that Mother's Day spending will reach $35.7 billion this year, with a record $5.6 billion spent on a meal or outing.

11 months ago

debt...

Curt Gresseth

Ticktock: US steps closer to debt default

Robert Spendlove, senior vice president and economic and public policy officer at Zions Bank, joins the show to discuss what would happen if the federal government defaults on its debt.

11 months ago

close up of a peleton bike pictured, a recall has been issued for some...

Associated Press

Peloton recalling more than 2M exercise bikes because the seat post assembly can break during use

The recall includes approximately 2.2 million of the Peloton Bikes Model PL01. The bikes were sold from January 2018 through May 2023 for about $1,400.

11 months ago

U.S. President Joe Biden speaks during the Democratic National Committee winter meeting on February...

Arlette Saenz, CNN

Biden takes debt ceiling pitch on road amid standoff with Republicans

The president said he believes the country can avoid default because an "overwhelming number of members of ... Congress know it would be a disaster."

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

UTA moves off $1 billion proposal for TRAX at Point of the Mountain