UTA begins service test of commuter rail trains

Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Mar 15, 2008

UTA's new FrontRunner commuter rail service will be warming up the tracks starting today as the agency begins a "pre-revenue" service test.

Trains will be running on their projected normal schedules, making scheduled stops along the 44-mile run from Salt Lake to Weber County. Today's virtual service will run from 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Carrie Bohnsack-Ware, UTA spokeswoman, said that "quiet-zones" will not be in effect for the trial, so trains will be issuing warning horn blasts at all of the 43 street crossings on the route.

Bohnsack-Ware said the exercise allows the agency to conduct tests under conditions that reflect the day-to-day rigors of service. The train can operate at speeds up to 79 mph.

The FrontRunner North line is on schedule to begin passenger service this spring.