Overview

The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) is in the initial stages of constructing Utah’s first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line on 3500 South in Salt Lake County. Future BRT plans include:

• 1300 East BRT
• Redwood BRT
• South Davis BRT
• Tooele BRT
• Washington Blvd. BRT
• Eastern Trans Corridor BRT

The 3500 South BRT line will run from Magna to the 3300 South TRAX Station covering 10 miles, containing 23 bus stops and linking riders to light rail.

BRT service is sometimes referred to as “light rail on rubber tires” because it provides the speed and dependability of light rail service. The BRT will reduce the span time to run from the west end of the line to the east end or vice versa. The BRT will offer the rider a 15 minute headway and faster destination trips. The 3500 South line will be constructed in two phases:

Phase 1 will deploy a type-one BRT, meaning it contains the following characteristics:

• Buses travel in mixed traffic
• Buses use signal prioritization
• Buses maintain high frequency service of 15 minutes or less
• Passenger shelters are upgraded
• Stops have reduced spacing, one-half to one-quarter-mile apart

This will provide for greater reliability and regularity, reduced delay, and higher speeds. Phase 1 is scheduled to launch late April, 2008.

Phase 2 will construct a center-running Bus Rapid Transit from 2700 West (Constitution Boulevard) to 5600 West. Construction will be starting late Spring, 2008. This project will allow BRT buses to operate in a separate corridor from regular traffic, further enhancing dependability.

When the West Valley City Light Rail Transit project is constructed the 3500 South BRT will adjust to coordinate with the system.

Proposed 3500 S. BRT Map (click to enlarge): Download PDF (310 KB)

Station Rendering (click to enlarge): Download PDF (243 KB)

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Vehicles

UTA has ordered 10 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses from Belgian manufacturer, Van Hool. The buses will be used to open Utah’s first BRT line on 3500 South in West Valley City. The buses are equipped with full stainless steel frames and body panels, top mounted cooling systems, 330 horsepower Cummins ISL motors, object detection systems and full low-floor boarding capabilities. Wider isles, center ADA boarding, more windows, unique European styling and improved ride quality will further enhance the riding experience for passengers. In addition to providing an improved riding experience, these key components will reduce vehicle maintenance and extend vehicle life. BRT buses will also have a new and unique paint scheme.

BRT focuses on: speed, reliability, and comfort.