UTA board looks at FrontRunner expansion in Utah County
Jan 26, 2023, 5:08 PM | Updated: 9:09 pm
UTA Frontrunner commuter rail train (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News)
(Scott G Winterton, Deseret News)
UTAH COUNTY — Utah County is the fastest growing county in the state, and transportation demands must be met so UTA is considering a number of expansions to its current FrontRunner and bus lines.
Additionally, the expansion could include a new stop or two for Frontrunner.
Jeff Acerson, who represents Tooele and Utah counties on the UTA Board of Trustees, told Dave & Dujanovic most residents wanted to see FrontRunner make its way to Payson, but this plan may take another 25 years to be realized.
FrontRunner in Utah County
An increase number of buses may happen in order to analyze how many more riders will actually take advantage of public transportation.
“The crucial piece . . . is to provide funding to purchase the rights-of-way so we can designate what the alignment is prior to all the development taking place,” Acerson said.
Acerson said the collaboration and funding from the county, UDOT, UGA and MAG will benefit developers, cities and zoning. He also believes the state Legislature will increase funding this year.
If the UTA Board of Trustees was to expand the FrontRunner route by 2050, it would make traveling up and down the Wasatch Front more affordable for many riders.
