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Amanda Butterfield reportingIn three days FrontRunner trains will connect Salt Lake and Davis counties, and Utah Transit Authority officials don't want there to be any surprises when the first commuters hop on.
UTA officials say there are big differences between FrontRunner trains and TRAX trains. Size, they say, is the big one. But there's also speed, the way the doors work, and how people with wheelchairs and bikes will get in and out. If you know about these things before you get on the FrontRunner, it will make your ride smoother.
"Oh, they're way different, not comparable at all," said train operator Jerry Davis. "The way they brake, handle, everything else."
Here are some of the big differences UTA workers want to give you a heads-up on. "FrontRunner takes longer to stop and a lot longer to get started," said Paul O'Brien, UTA rail service general manager.
That's going to make for a smoother ride then TRAX, and it also goes almost 30 miles an hour faster then TRAX. "Unlike TRAX where the doors will stay open, these doors close. All you need to do is press the button again and the doors reopen," O'Brien explained
Once you do get through the doors, remember there are three levels on FrontRunner. TRAX only has one. "Here, you need to be prepared to be down at the lower level before your stop," O'Brien said.
If you have a wheelchair, look for the symbol on the platform. Wait near it and an extra FrontRunner worker will help you, not the driver like on TRAX.
If you have a bike, there's a symbol for that too. "We can board six bicycles per car," O'Brien said.
TRAX can only board four per car.
Those are the biggies when comparing Utah's two commuter trains, and if you do ever catch a ride on FrontRunner, keep an eye out for Jerry Davis. He's been with UTA over 30 years and will drive the first train that takes off from Ogden on Saturday.
FrontRunner will be free for commuters Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. After that, you'll buy your ticket before get on, just like TRAX.
For prices and schedules, click the related link.
E-mail: abutterfield@ksl.com
