SALT LAKE CITY -- Getting to the Salt Lake International Airport just became easier for Salt Lake City residents; the Utah Transit Authority’s new airport line extension opened to commuters on Saturday.
The addition to Utah’s TRAX and FrontRunner systems offers commuters a way to get a flight out of the airport without leaving their car there. The opening of the line was celebrated with food, local music, prizes and free rides.
UTA officials said this is by far the most anticipated line they’ve ever had. The trip from the airport to downtown is supposed to take 20 minutes, and it’s pretty close. Fox 13’s Ashton Goodell made the trip from the airport to the station near Energy Solutions Arena in about 21 minutes.
UTA let people ride the line for free on Saturday, and some folks rode it back and forth so they could check it out. Other travelers said the new line makes Salt Lake City a more attractive and convenient destination. The line will also offer the airport’s roughly 15,000 employees more options for travel.
Passenger Matt Garanto said the decision to use the line was easy to make.
“I had a friend drop me off at the airport in St. George, so my car is at home,” he said. “I usually spend 20 to 30 dollars every weekend on rental cars. Compared to five bucks for a couple of train rides, it's a no brainer. This is going to be the new way to do it.”
The train can be ridden for free until 10 p.m. on Saturday.
The new line has five stops along North Temple at the following locations:
- 409 W North Temple
- 820 W North Temple
- 1150 W
- 1480 W
- 1940 W
For more information, visit the Utah Transit Authority’s website.
