There’s a whole other world out there, and it rides TRAX.
One could dedicate an entire article to the economical, financial and environmental benefits of riding TRAX, but that has been done before, and if it didn’t sink in then, it won’t now. Rather, people should try riding TRAX for the life experience.
Recently, I made it a point to ride TRAX everywhere I could. Even if I didn’t have anywhere to be, I simply got right back on the train when I arrived wherever, and headed back up to the U. What I learned is it’s an amazing opportunity to be a human being. And the people I met are characters you couldn’t even dream up for a TV show.
TRAX’s history is fascinating. It was first proposed and conceived in the late 1980s, but it wasn’t until Salt Lake City won the bid for the 2002 Winter Olympics in 1996 that progress was made on the issue. Since then, it’s been praised and despised. Its ridership has gone up and down like a roller coaster recently with gas prices rising and falling. Indecisive neighborhoods have opposed and then embraced new lines. The U did a study which showed the positive effects increased infrastructure investment would have on economic growth in the state.
The Bureau of Economic and Business Research at the David Eccles School of Business concluded in its Sept.-Oct. 2004 issue that an infrastructure package of roughly $531.6 million a year would create an additional 2,800 jobs. There is no denying the importance of TRAX in Utah’s economy. But people need to realize the philanthropic and social impact it has.
There is someone for everyone on the train. There are those people willing to share their life story at the slightest hint of showing interest, a simple “hello” or the always-popular head nod. Then there are those that need no introduction, no small talk and are going to talk regardless. I’ve found that no matter where you are, you can at least find someone just like you to talk to. If you’re a socialite, TRAX is a must. It’s a must if you’re in the college of behavioral science, political science or any science major for that matter. You could at least enjoy the engineering aspect of it.
Now, don’t confuse this article as an advocate for increased funding or additional lines for TRAX. Forces much higher than me will determine that. Don’t confuse it for a forum to make fun of TRAX riders either. The truth is, I use TRAX, and one day I could be the most interesting person on it that you talk to.
Brian Trick