Rep. Ben McAdams to propose more FrontRunner double-track rails
Feb 14, 2020, 12:03 PM
Utah Transit Authority FrontRunner. File Photo: Sam Penrod, KSL TV
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Rep. Ben McAdams announced he will be unveiling a bipartisan proposal to add more miles of double-tracking on the FrontRunner commuter rail. The proposed measure — the Transit Revitalization and Infrastructure Needs (TRAIN) Act — would increase service and allow for more train frequency.
The FrontRunner rail covers 90-miles across the Wasatch Front, serving the 2.3 million population. Currently, double tracking exists at many of these stations.
These double tracks allow for two tracks to lie side-by-side so trains can travel in both directions at once.
With more of these double tracks, studies show it would increase ridership, allow trains to run more frequently and reduce delays, according to a news release. McAdams argues this would reduce air pollution and de-congest freeway traffic.
The legislation would also expand grant funding to fund electrifying Utah transit systems. This would move transportation away from using diesel-powered engines.
McAdams and UTA Board Chair will present the proposal at a news conference Tuesday to request federal grant funding.
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