New transit system in Utah County to help with traffic and growth

OREM — A new style of public transit is about to make its debut in Utah County and drivers are already training in the new buses.

UTA’s bus rapid transit (BRT) will provide continuous bus service for commuters, along the county’s busiest corridor. The special 60 foot buses will create a high capacity transit line that will travel in a dedicated lane, with traffic signals synced for efficiency.

“People will find that it will cut down on the construction and it will address the air quality situation and it will make it easier for college students who may not have to have a car to go to BYU or UVU,” said Carl Arky, spokesman for UTA.

The route will run between the Orem and Provo Frontrunner stations, along University Parkway and University Avenue. There will be 18 stops, and buses will keep a regular schedule, similar to TRAX.

“We have frequent buses so you are not going to have to have a schedule in your hand, if you miss a bus, there is one coming six minutes later,” Arky added.

While the construction to widen the roads to accommodate the bus lane has impacted business, UTA believes in the end businesses will see more customers from BRT and the public will benefit from the $190 million project.

UTA said the construction is on schedule, so Bus Rapid Transit will be up and running in mid-August, in time for the new school year at UVU and BYU.

For the next few days, UTA is asking the public for their suggestions to name the BRT line. The finalists are Timp Runner, Utah Valley Express and Timp Express. You can vote through next Thursday at rideuta.com.

“It is a dedicated lane, it will move faster, greater frequency, and it is going to be a really easy way to get around,” Arky added.