UTA is planning on implementing a new TRAX line which will run from campus to the Salt Lake City International Airport.
Currently, students have to travel into downtown, get off at the Courthouse Station (450 South and Main Street) and wait to catch the Green Line to the airport while toting any luggage they may have. With the implementation of the new line, students can take one train without having to transfer.
“People travel to and from the U on our TRAX more than any other destination. The University Line is our most heavily traveled line,” said UTA spokesperson Remi Barron. “We understand that people want this option but we run other lines on the TRAX but there are a number of factors to be considered.”
Barron said plans are still in early development.
“We still have to identify funding sources, figure out [the] logistics of running the line and consider public comment,” Barron said.
Enrique Gomez, a sophomore from San Diego in structural civil engineering said the new line would make it easier to travel.
“The last day of classes before break, if you live off campus like me, you can take your things to class and then go straight to the airport,” he said, “you can save 15 minutes or more by not having to transfer.”
Karl Ramirez, a medical laboratory science major from the Philippines in his sophomore year said he would not use the line.
“My parents take me to the airport but it would be nice [for some students] to have access to because it makes traveling to and from the airport free,” Ramirez said.
The main problem Ramirez sees is, “it could be a hassle carrying your bags on-and-off the TRAX.”
“The U is one of our best, if not our best customer,” said Barron.