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SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Transit Authority says an airport connection was the most popular request for TRAX service, and Saturday, they gave free rides to celebrate the grand opening of the new airport line.
Saturday, riders hopped on and off the trains, got their UTA passport pictures taken, and those passports stamped at each stop. While locals were enjoying the free ride, travelers were taking advantage of the new line to get to and from the Salt Lake International Airport.
"I was at the hotel and heard somebody in passing saying there was a new train going to the airport," said Seattle resident Michelle Green. "I think it's a great idea. I'm glad they have it, and if I come back to Salt Lake, I'll definitely use it again because it's really, really convenient."
The light rail line to the airport is a $393 million extension to UTA's existing Green Line, which takes riders to and from Salt Lake's Energy Solutions Arena and West Valley City's Valley Fair Mall.
The possible impact of the train line on airport taxi cab service is unknown, but a concern to some. For now, cab companies in the city say they are betting on customer service and convenience.
"It's hard to get on and off the TRAX with a lot of bags," Yellow Cab Director Don Barron said in February when asked about the line. "Cab drivers will load the bags and unload them for you."
But passengers at the airport Saturday said bringing their luggage onto TRAX didn't seem too difficult.
"It's very convenient, said Tampa resident Eric Fayad. "We got off the plane, we came on here, picked up our luggage, and literally about five minutes to here and we'll be leaving shortly to go where we need to."
Business travelers or families may find taking a cab an easier venture than the train, however.
The train is less expensive, with one-way tickets costing $2.50 per rider.
"We will lose a little bit of business to TRAX. I don't know how much until we find out," Barron said.
