The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) in Salt Lake City introduced TRAX light rail service to the Salt Lake City International Airport April 13 with a community celebration of the opening of the Airport TRAX Line. Regular service began April 14.

Visitors who donated non-perishable food items to the Utah Food Bank could ride free that day on the six-mile line, which begins in downtown Salt Lake City and terminates at the airport. Free activities at each of the six new stations included live performances by local artists, face painting, a petting zoo, children’s activities, and food from area restaurants. The grand opening ceremony was held in a parking lot adjacent to the North Temple FrontRunner Station.

UTA reported that the project, budgeted at $235 million, came in under budget and was completed two months ahead of schedule. The Airport Line is part of UTA’s Green Line, traveling from West Valley City, through downtown Salt Lake City and then along North Temple to the Salt Lake City International Airport.

In addition to the airport, the line will provide service to the Utah State Fair Park, the Jordan River Trail, as well as many retail businesses, offices, and neighborhoods along North Temple. It also provides a direct connection to FrontRunner commuter rail.

Airport TRAX also incorporates energy-saving features. A Blue Sky Grant from Rocky Mountain Power allows for the installation of solar panels on the platform canopies of four of the stations. The canopies were specially designed so the panels could be installed. All street light improvements and lighting for the station platforms are energy-saving LED lights.

Photo courtesy of Utah Transit Authority

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