Key Highlights
- The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) operates the TRAX light rail system, a convenient public transportation option in Salt Lake City.
- UTA TRAX features three distinct lines—the Blue Line, Red Line, and Green Line—that connect key areas across the Salt Lake Valley.
- You can easily travel from Downtown Salt Lake to the Salt Lake City International Airport using the Green Line.
- TRAX trains offer reliable service throughout Salt Lake County, connecting populous suburbs with the city center.
- Each TRAX station is designed for accessibility, ensuring a smooth journey for all passengers.
Overview of Salt Lake City’s TRAX Light Rail System
Navigating Salt Lake City is simple thanks to the TRAX light rail system, operated by the Utah Transit Authority (UTA). This efficient public transportation system serves residents and visitors throughout the Salt Lake Valley, offering a great alternative to driving. The TRAX network is an integral part of the region’s transit options, which also include a commuter rail system.
Using the TRAX light rail is straightforward. The system is designed to connect you to major destinations across Salt Lake County, from the airport to downtown and beyond. With multiple lines and frequent stops, the TRAX network makes getting around the city both easy and affordable.
Key Features and Service Characteristics
The TRAX light rail system is built on a foundation of reliability and convenience. All TRAX trains are fully electric, drawing power from overhead lines, which makes for a quiet and environmentally friendly ride. Operated by the Utah Transit Authority, this public transportation network is a cornerstone of Salt Lake City’s infrastructure. The light rail vehicles are modern and designed to handle a high volume of passengers efficiently.
Are you wondering about the service schedule? TRAX operates seven days a week, with the exception of certain holidays. On weekdays, you can expect trains to run on each line with a 15-minute headway for the entire duration of operating hours. This frequent service makes it a dependable choice for your daily commute.
Service is also consistent on weekends, running with a 15-minute headway on Saturdays and a 30-minute headway on Sundays. This frequent and predictable schedule ensures that the TRAX light rail is a reliable option for getting around Salt Lake City, whether you’re commuting to work or exploring the city on a day off.
Main TRAX Lines and Major Stations
The TRAX system is composed of three primary routes, each color-coded for easy identification: the Green Line, Red Line, and Blue Line. These TRAX lines cover a vast area, connecting residential neighborhoods with key hubs like the University of Utah, the Delta Center, and Salt Lake Central Station, which also serves as one of the key FrontRunner stations.
Each line has a distinct path. The Blue Line travels from Downtown Salt Lake City to Draper. The Red Line connects the University of Utah with the Daybreak community in South Jordan. Finally, the Green Line offers service from the Salt Lake City International Airport to West Valley City, making it especially useful for travelers.
Understanding the routes is simple with this quick guide:
| Line Name | Route Terminals |
|---|---|
| Blue Line | Downtown Salt Lake City (Salt Lake Central) – Draper Town Center |
| Red Line | University of Utah (University Medical Center) – Daybreak Parkway |
| Green Line | Salt Lake City International Airport – West Valley Central |
Planning Your TRAX Journey
A little planning can make your TRAX journey completely seamless. Before heading to a TRAX station, it’s a good idea to consult the TRAX map to identify your preferred route and any necessary transfer stations. You can find the schedule and operating hours on the official UTA website or by using their convenient mobile app.
These resources provide real-time information to help you catch your train without a long wait. Knowing the schedule in advance allows you to time your arrival at the station perfectly, giving you just enough time to purchase your fare and get to the platform. Now, let’s look at how to use the network and understand its schedule in more detail.
How to Use the TRAX Network
Riding the TRAX in Salt Lake City is easy when you follow a few simple steps. You must have valid fare payment before boarding the train, so be sure to arrive at the station with enough time to purchase your ticket from a machine or validate your electronic pass.
Once you have your fare, head to the correct platform for your line and stand behind the yellow safety strip. Signs on the front of the TRAX trains clearly indicate the line color and final destination, so you can confirm it’s the right train for you. Once the train stops and the doors open, allow other passengers to exit before your boarding.
- Wait Safely: Always stand behind the yellow line on the platform.
- Board Carefully: Hold onto handrails when walking to your seat, as the train may begin moving.
- Be Ready for Inspection: Keep your ticket or pass handy, as fare inspectors check for valid payment.
The trains stop at every station, and onboard announcements will inform you of the next stop. This makes it easy to track your progress and exit at your destination, whether you’re heading to Salt Lake Central or another stop.
Schedules, Operating Hours, and Reliability
The TRAX schedule is designed to offer excellent reliability for commuters and travelers throughout Salt Lake County. With frequent service from early morning to late at night, you can count on TRAX to get you where you need to go. You can find detailed schedules on the UTA website and mobile app.
The system’s operating hours are extensive, providing a great alternative to driving at almost any time of day. Knowing the general schedule helps you plan your trips with confidence. The consistency of the service makes it a highly reliable public transportation option in Salt Lake City.
- Monday – Friday: Service runs from approximately 4:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. with trains every 15 minutes.
- Saturday: Service runs from approximately 5:00 a.m. to nearly midnight with trains every 15 minutes.
- Sunday: Service runs with a 30-minute headway during weekend hours.
This frequent and predictable schedule, especially the 15-minute weekday headway, makes TRAX an excellent and dependable choice for daily commuting. It integrates seamlessly with other services like the FrontRunner commuter rail, enhancing its overall reliability for travel across the region.
Fares, Tickets, and Accessibility
Understanding fare payment and accessibility features is key to a smooth ride on the UTA TRAX system in Salt Lake City. There are several ticketing options and payment methods available, making it easy to choose what works best for you. From a FAREPAY card to ticket vending machines at every station, paying your fare is simple.
UTA is also committed to making its services accessible to everyone. All stations are equipped with features to assist passengers with disabilities, and there are clear guidelines for bringing items like bikes onboard. Below, we’ll explore the different ticketing options and accessibility features in more detail.
Ticketing Options and Payment Methods
Paying for your ride on the TRAX light rail system is flexible, with several payment methods available. One of the easiest ways to pay is through UTA’s mobile app, which allows you to purchase and store tickets directly on your phone. You can also use a FAREPAY card, a reloadable smart card that offers a convenient way to tap and ride.
For those who prefer traditional methods, ticket vending machines are available at every TRAX station. These machines accept credit cards and cash, allowing you to purchase single-ride tickets or day passes. Remember, you must have a valid ticket before you board the train.
- UTA GoRide App: Purchase tickets anytime, anywhere from your smartphone.
- FAREPAY Card: A reloadable card for quick and easy fare payment.
- Ticket Vending Machines: Available at all stations for purchasing passes with cash or card.
The cost of a ride depends on the type of pass you purchase. Options range from single-use tickets to day passes and monthly passes, providing different price points to suit your travel needs. Using the mobile app or a FAREPAY card is often the easiest way to manage your fares.
Accessibility Features and Bringing Bikes Onboard
The Utah Transit Authority ensures that the TRAX system in Salt Lake City is accessible for everyone. Every TRAX station is wheelchair accessible, and the light rail vehicles are equipped with features to accommodate passengers with mobility needs. For example, while some lines require using a ramp to board, the process is designed to be straightforward.
Thinking of combining a bike ride with your train journey? You can bring bikes onboard TRAX trains. Designated areas are available inside the light rail vehicles to store your bike during the trip. This makes it easy to cycle to a station, take the train, and continue your ride from your destination.
- All TRAX stations are wheelchair accessible.
- Ramps are available for boarding older-model trains, such as those on the Blue Line.
- Bikes are permitted on trains in designated spaces.
These accessibility features ensure that passengers with disabilities can navigate the system with confidence. The inclusive policies for bikes onboard also provide a convenient option for cyclists looking to extend their travel range across the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does TRAX connect to Salt Lake City International Airport?
Yes, the TRAX light rail provides a direct connection to the Salt Lake City International Airport. The Green Line runs from West Valley City to the airport, with a dedicated TRAX station located right at the airport terminal. This makes for a convenient and affordable way to travel to and from your flight in Salt Lake City.
Is TRAX suitable for daily commuting in Salt Lake City?
Absolutely. TRAX is an excellent choice for daily commuting in Salt Lake City. With frequent service, especially during peak weekday hours, it offers a reliable way to get to work or school. The Red Line and Blue Line connect major residential areas to downtown and hubs like Salt Lake Central Station.
Does the TRAX light rail connect to Salt Lake City International Airport?
Yes, you can take the TRAX light rail directly to the Salt Lake City International Airport. The Green Line route is specifically designed to serve the airport, terminating at a station conveniently located at the airport terminal. This connection makes traveling between the airport and other parts of Salt Lake City incredibly easy.