The network consists of three lines: the
Blue Line (previously referred to as the Sandy Line), which opened in 1999; the
Red Line (previously referred to as the University Line), which opened in 2001;[1][2] and the
Green Line, which opened in 2011. As of July 2023, the network serves 36,900 passengers a day, making TRAX the
10th-largest light rail system in the United States in ridership.[needs update][3][4] There are 50 stations on the 3 lines of the UTA TRAX system, with an overall length of the network being 44.8 miles (72.1 km).[4]
The stations along the UTA TRAX network are open-air structures featuring passenger
canopies for protection from adverse weather. Many of the canopies are designed to resemble the canopy at the
Joseph Smith Memorial Building (which is located
Downtown and listed on the
National Register of Historic Places).[5] Works of
public art included at several stations were developed as part of the UTA's Art in Transit program.[6] At first the program was met with skepticism; initially, only the stations constructed in Salt Lake City incorporated public art into their designs. This was the case as the city was initially the only one to take part in the Art in Transit program.[7] The program has since grown in popularity, and many of the stations constructed as part of the FrontLines 2015 expansion will include public art in their final design.[6]
All of UTA's TRAX and FrontRunner trains and stations, streetcars and streetcar stops, and all fixed route buses are compliant with
Americans with Disabilities Act and are therefore accessible to those with disabilities.[8] Signage at the stations, on the passenger platforms, and on the trains clearly indicate accessibility options. Ramps on the passenger platforms on the Blue Line and assistance from the train operator may be necessary for wheelchair boarding (weekdays only). These ramps are not used on weekends nor on the Red or Green Lines. In accordance with the
Utah Clean Air Act and UTA ordinance, "smoking is prohibited on UTA vehicles as well as UTA bus stops, TRAX stations, and FrontRunner stations".[9]
UTA's TRAX began service on December 4, 1999, with the opening of what was then called the Sandy/Salt Lake Line (now called the Blue Line) which ran from
Sandy Civic Center to
Delta Center (now called Arena).[1] The line saw construction of a pair of
infill stations with the opening of
900 South in 2005 and
Sandy Expo in 2006 and the
650 South in 2022 as a result of demand for additional service.[10][11] The
University Line (TRAX) commenced service on 15 December 2001 between
Stadium and Delta Center.[2] The line expanded in April 2008, when three new stations opened between
Planetarium and
Salt Lake Central.[12] The Sandy/University Line began service on December 17, 2001, between Stadium and Sandy Civic Center.[13] Originally operating on a limited schedule, by August 2009, trains were added to the line serving all stations between Sandy Civic Center and
University Medical Center.[14] Expansion as part of the FrontLines 2015 project saw the completion of an additional 25.2 miles (40.6 km) of track by August 2013.[4] The completion of the
Airport and
Draper extensions added service to the
Salt Lake City International Airport and
Draper.[4]
The Utah Transit Authority is undertaking a major expansion called FrontLines 2015.[23] As part of this project UTA will add 25.2 miles (40.6 km) of track to the existing 19.6 mi (31.5 km) light-rail network as defined in the Utah Transit Authority's 2030 Long-range Transportation Plan. All of the expansions were completed and opened for service by August 2013 (except the 14600 South and Highland Drive Stations).[23] Six of the stations are part of the Airport extension of the Green Line. Three completed stations and two more proposed stations are or will be part of the Draper extension of the Blue Line.