Perhaps more importantly, UTA's transit system has won public support. System-wide ridership has increased by 72% since 1999, when the first TRAX light rail line opened. The opening of each new line has resulted in strong growth, with an increase of about 30% in light rail ridership since August 2011, when the extensions to West Valley City and South Jordan opened. And UTA expects an additional 20% jump in ridership when the remaining FrontLines projects open.

And more projects are already in the works, including bus rapid transit systems for multiple areas along with two FrontRunner commuter rail projects that will extend rail service north from Ogden and from Provo further south to Payson.

FrontLines 2015 Program Update

Mid-Jordan TRAX Line: $535 million—10.6 miles running through Murray, Midvale, West Jordan and South Jordan, including 10 stations. Design-build with a negotiated price. Kiewit/Herzog/Parsons JV. Opened in August.

Draper TRAX Line: $194 million—3.8 miles extending current light rail service through Sandy and Draper. Negotiated price. Design-builder: Kiewit/Herzog/Parsons JV. Opening planned for 2013.

West Valley City TRAX Line: $370 million—5.1 miles running from South Salt Lake and West Valley City, including six stations. CM/GC with negotiated price. Stacy and Witbeck/Kiewit Western JV. Opened in August.

FrontRunner Provo to Salt Lake City Line: $850 million—offering 45 miles of high-speed commuter rail service between downtown Salt Lake City and Provo. Under construction. CM/GC with negotiated guaranteed maximum price. Commuter Rail Constructors (Stacy and Witbeck/Herzog JV). Opening planned for December.

Airport TRAX Line: $350 million—six miles running from downtown Salt Lake City to Salt Lake City International Airport. Includes welcome center at the airport and overpass connection between Salt Lake City’s east and west sides. Under construction. CM/GC with a negotiated price. Stacy and Witbeck/Kiewit Western JV. Opening planned for fall 2013.