Posted Dec 14, 2020, 8:44 AM
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Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Downtown Los Angeles
Posts: 19,393
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FrontRunner double-tracking could see big infusion of state funding
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Legislative leaders believe the state may be flush with cash to spend on one-time construction, transportation projects.
Among items high on the wish list for some are adding a second parallel track to the FrontRunner commuter train, along with road construction and maintenance.
“We have been wanting to bond for some roads and double-track FrontRunner for a couple of years. It’s likely we will try and get it done this year,” House Majority Whip Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, said.
The proposed improvements include “strategic” double-tracking between Ogden and Provo, which would allow trains to run every 15 minutes during peak hours. There are also plans in the works to offer express trains that would have one, or even zero stops before the destination station.
“Those express trains could shave 20 minutes or more off the commute time. It’s the biggest thing we can do to ease congestion along the I-15 corridor,” Schultz said.
These improvements would cost approximately $450 million, with the federal government, Utah Transit Authority and state government each paying a portion, he said.
The Utah Transit Authority issued a statement Monday that double-tracking would help to improve the reliability, frequency and capacity of its FrontRunner trains.
About 70% of the 90-mile FrontRunner system from Provo to Ogden now runs on a single, shared track, so trains may pass each other only at stations and a few sidings. A delay at one station, for example, can cause a ripple effect of delays down the entire line.
FrontRunner trains may now run about every half hour at most. Double-tracking could cut that in half, to allow service every 15 minutes.
“Local funding would also put UTA in the position of competing for existing and future funding opportunities at the federal level,” the agency added. It said it has been “working with legislators on providing information and potential options that would prepare for our future growth and further build upon FrontRunner’s success and importance to the region.” ...
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Originally Posted by Makid
It is nice to see that this is a high priority for the State and getting FrontRunner double tracked enough to move to 15 minute frequencies will have a large impact to the ridership.
I hope that the State offers up enough funds to get the project moving quickly so that we can eventually get all the gaps filled in and have a fully double tracked system that we can then electrify. This would allow the trains to move faster and further reduce the travel times.
Lastly, I do like the idea of the Express trains. This would really help for the morning and evening commutes.
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