#uta frontrunner

[collinthenychudson]

“Rainy Commute”

While a rainstorm passes over, Utah Transit Authority MP36PH-3C No. 1 prepares to proceed onward to Ogden and other stops along the way. Meanwhile, MP36PH-3C No. 17, being controlled by cab car No. 106, pulls into North Temple before ending service at Salt Lake Central for the day.

Taken on 03/31/2025

Pictures C) Me

[collinthenychudson]

In the early morning hours prior to the sun's rising, Utah Transit Authority MP36PH-3C No. 11 drags the first Northbound FrontRunner train of the day into Draper Station to collect passengers before continuing onward to Ogden and all points along the way.

Taken on 2/12/24

Picture C) Me

[collinthenychudson]

On April 26th of 2008, the Utah Transit Authority began operations of the FrontRunner commuter rail running between Salt Lake Central and Ogden serving many communities inbetween. Then on December 10th of 2012, the line was extedned south to Provo serving more communities between there and Salt Lake Central. Today, commuter trains still race along the Wastach front between Provo and Ogden with future plans to extend the line as far North as Brigham City and as far South as Nephi along with even double-tracking the line to allow more frequent service. Here's to 15 years of UTA's FrontRunner and another 15 more!

[collinthenychudson]

UTA made a post on social media on April 12th saying that the cars will be taken out of service on April 18th, that day has officially came. The reason why they're being taken out of service is because the Comet cars are around 50 years old, having been used since the 1970s for the Erie Lackawanna's diesel locomotive-hauled commuter trains until being passed down to New Jersey Transit and then FrontRunner. Due to their age, it is becoming more difficult and costly for UTA to maintain the cars and replace worn or broken parts, which are becoming impossible to find nowadays. This means that the low platform sections of the FrontRunner stations will be raised to allow level boarding as well as having trains operate with three bi-level cars and one locomotive only. According to their news blog, UTA is evaluating options for replacement cars, but that hasn't been decided yet. While this is saddening to many people such as myself, it is also important to know that things can't last forever and this is the case for railroad passenger rolling stock. When taking this picture of Comet Car 322B, this is how I am paying tribute to the cars that had triumphantly served Erie Lackawanna, New Jersey Transit, and of course, UTA FrontRunner after around 50 years of service. On a more positive note, UTA will bring these cars back in service in case if there is an increase of ridership.

Taken on 4/14/22

Picture C) Me