Dear Editor:
I am a student at the University of Utah who usespublic transportation and my bicycle exclusively as myprimary means of transportation. I ride my bike toTRAX every morning to get to my classes and work.
Every morning, without fail, the University line traingoing up to the U arrives at my stop packed-literally, shoulder to shoulder with people. There areonly two cars, every single time. There is always atleast four or more bicyclists already on the train oneach side by the time I try to board.
Trax rules indicate that there are only 2 cyclistsallowed on each end of the train. Every day, I havewitnessed cyclists having to just push their way ontothe train, and bikes stacked four or even five deep.Other passengers are always willing to move andaccommodate, but this is a safety issue and it isconcerning. The University line is always packed likethis until at least noon.
I keep calling the UTA eyes hotline to report thissituation. The response I keep getting is bordering onridiculous. This morning, I called again, anddescribed the situation. The dispatcher said, “We’llsend some officers out to administer citations.” Citeus for what? Not driving our cars to campus? Nothaving enough room for everyone on the train? Theythen tell me to just wait for the next train, (eventhough it would mean I would be late for class) butthe following trains are just as full.
I am trying to pay my tuition, instead of spending mymoney on a car and rising gas prices. If cityofficials and UTA really want to meet thetransportation needs of its’ citizens, especiallystudents, they shouldn’t discourage the use of it bynot providing adequate room for everyone that needs toride. I suggest UTA to add at least 2 train cars toaddress this major commuting need.
Sincerely,
Nikki Christensen- Sophomore, International Studies146 S. Lincoln St. #3Salt Lake City, UT 84102(801) 971-2920
