UTA to introduce new TRAX vehicles into regular service

Starting July 7, Utah Transit Authority TRAX passengers will be able to ride the brand new S70 light rail vehicles in regular service. The new TRAX vehicles will enter limited service on direct trains that operate from Fashion Place Station in Murray to the University of Utah Medical Center Station on weekdays. The new trains will be featured on 10 northbound and 10 southbound trips each day. The new S70 vehicles are low-floor cars that allow riders to board straight from the platform without climbing stairs. Level boarding makes the vehicles more accessible to passengers with mobility aids, bicycles and strollers. "We are excited to put some of our new S70 vehicles into service," UTA General Manager Michael Allegra said. "We believe our customers are really going to love the new features the cars offer." Because the new vehicles have low floors, riders with limited mobility will no longer need to use the wheelchair ramps located at the ends of the station platforms. The new vehicles feature self-deploying ramps that will allow riders to board directly by pushing the button with the access symbol. UTA purchased 77 of the new vehicles as part of UTA's FrontLines 2015 rail expansion program. The vehicles have been commissioned and tested on the new Mid-Jordan and West Valley TRAX lines during the past few months. This is the first time they will carry passengers in revenue service. The Mid-Jordan and West Valley TRAX lines are scheduled to open Aug. 7 and will operate exclusively with the new vehicles.