What were the ultimate benefits to system users?
Prior to the station opening, the closest transit stations for Vineyard residents were three-miles to the south or approximately six-miles to the north. The new FrontRunner station at Vineyard is a keystone to the active transportation network in the region. The station provides a major hub for pedestrian and bicycle paths connecting to other trails that extend to other pathways within Utah County and as far north as Salt Lake County. A pedestrian path linking the residential center of Vineyard to the station was completed just as the station was opened. These pathways offer health and lifestyle benefits to local residents and guests. The low cost of travel provided by commuter rail also offers economic benefits to citizens, including and especially those who are disabled or cannot afford extensive travel by car.
The Vineyard FrontRunner Station provides several benefits to customers and improves the lives of citizens in the following ways:
Improved transportation options: The station provides commuter rail access for residents of Vineyard, connecting them to other cities along the FrontRunner system. This gives commuters an alternative to driving and reduces traffic congestion and improves air quality.
Convenience and accessibility: The station’s location in the center of Vineyard’s
commercial district and the implementation of the city’s station area plan, which will
include amenities, such as bike racks and lockers, make it convenient and accessible for
commuters.
Efficient operations and route schedules: The addition of nearly two miles of new track and the first double-track rails on the FrontRunner system improves the efficiency of operations and route schedules, reducing customer wait times.
Safety and comfort: The station’s design incorporates elements identified by the city,
including canopies and glass panels displaying the city’s railroad history, improving the
safety and comfort of customers while waiting for trains.
Overall, this station provides improved transportation options, convenience, accessibility, and safety for customers, ultimately improving the lives of citizens in Vineyard and surrounding communities.
How did the project focus on alternative modes of transportation or improve multi-modal access?
The project was designed to integrate with the existing local and regional travel networks and be compatible as a key connection point for the future town center. The pedestrian and bike path networks noted above allow for multi-modal access to Vineyard, and provide the same access from Vineyard to destinations across the Wasatch Front via the Lindon Heritage and Utah Lakeshore Trails. This new station provides alternative modes of transportation to nearby businesses allowing road users the opportunity and option to use transit and active transportation to commute to work or other activities. In the near future, the station will connect residents to the shoreline of Utah Lake via a pedestrian promenade bridge which crosses over UDOT’s Vineyard Connector corridor. By providing these amenities and encouraging alternative modes of transportation, the station allows for increased multi-modal access and supports a more sustainable transportation system which can be augmented further by connecting to additional transit lines which are planned for the future and further reducing the need for residents to travel by car.
In addition, Utah Valley University owns over 200 acres immediately east of the rail line and station as part of their future expansion plans. This new satellite campus is planned to accommodate graduate-level programs, housing, and athletics facilities. The station will provide an important transportation hub for those facilities that will generate added-value for the city’s future new corporate office center, commercial retail, housing as part of its town center.
