We’re excited to celebrate the 15th anniversary of FrontRunner, Utah’s first commuter rail service. On April 26, 2008, FrontRunner service began between Salt Lake City and Ogden. Since then, it has revolutionized public transit in the state, connecting numerous cities along the Wasatch Front, from Ogden to Salt Lake City to Provo.

In honor of this milestone, we’re sharing 15 fun facts about FrontRunner.

• UTA’s commuter rail was named "FrontRunner" because its route runs nearly the length of the Wasatch Front.


• FrontRunner is Utah’s only commuter rail service and one of only a few in the western United States.


• FrontRunner has 16 stations that run from Ogden to Provo, covering a distance of 83 miles.


• UTA was able to construct all 83 miles of the system in less than seven years, with Ogden to Salt Lake City opening in 2008 and an extension to Provo in 2012.


• The maximum speed of the FrontRunner is 79 mph.


• FrontRunner has carried more than 48 million passengers since its launch in 2008.


• FrontRunner has an average weekday ridership of approximately 12,100 per weekday *as of the first quarter of 2023.


• FrontRunner uses bi-level passenger cars that can accommodate about 134 passengers each. With three cars, we can carry 402 passengers per train.


• FrontRunner is probably the only implementation of level boarding using Bombardier BiLevel Coaches. In other words, FrontRunner is the only system where the boarding door is level with the station platform, allowing our riders using mobility devices and strollers to easily board. This fact was shared with us from Utah Rail Passengers Association Executive Director Mike Christensen and it was recently pointed out by Reece, of RM Transit.


• FrontRunner trains are equipped with free Wi-Fi, power outlets, restrooms, and tables for passengers to use while traveling.


• In 2018, UTA began upgrading each FrontRunner locomotive from EPA Tier Zero to Tier Two air emission standards. This reduces air pollution by 29%. So far, half of the locomotives have been upgraded.


• The more passengers that ride, the more air pollution is reduced along the Wasatch Front. In 2018, it took the emissions of 55 passenger cars to equal one locomotive at EPA Tier Zero emission standards. Today, 50% of the locomotives have been upgraded to EPA Tier Two emission standards. It takes only 26 passenger cars to equal one locomotive that has been upgraded to Tier Two. In 2022, FrontRunner averaged 71 passengers per locomotive mile, saving 12,000 pounds of air pollutants.


• FrontRunner trains are serviced and maintained at Warm Springs Rail Service Center, which was purchased from Union Pacific in 2003.


• FrontRunner trains face north regardless of the direction of travel — trains going south are actually driving in reverse!


• Tuesdays are the busiest day of the week on FrontRunner, with an average daily ridership of about 13,000 passengers.

You’re Invited! Come Celebrate FrontRunner With Us on April 26

We‘re excited to invite you to the Rider Appreciation Event celebrating FrontRunner’s 15th anniversary. This event is dedicated to you, our riders, who have made FrontRunner a huge success over the past 15 years.

Join us at Ogden Central, Salt Lake Central, and Provo Central Stations on April 26, 2023, from 4-6 p.m. for a fun evening. Enjoy some refreshments and snap a photo with us! Train hosts will also be handing out fun items to passengers.

We can’t wait to see you there and show our appreciation for your support. Mark your calendars and tell your friends and family to come along too!