LOCAL NEWS
UPDATE: UTA changes plans for FrontRunner Comet cars
Mar 22, 2022, 3:45 PM | Updated: Mar 23, 2022, 9:39 am
A comet car is seen behind the engine in this photo. (Used by permission, UTA)
(Used by permission, UTA)
UPDATE: The Utah Transit Authority now says the single-tiered Comet cars will remain in service on its FrontRunner trains.
UTA, in a now-deleted tweet, originally said the classic cars would be retired on April 2.
Most people know the 50-year-old cars by their camel-colored leather seats. UTA’s website said the cars have been with UTA since FrontRunner opened in 2009.
UTA purchased 25 Comet cars from New Jersey Transit paying $35,000 to purchase the cars and $400,000 to refurbish them, which transit officials said was a steal compared to the $2.2 million for their other FrontRunner cars.
Change of plans! UTA is not removing the Comet cars on April 2 after all. While the 50-year-old classic cars are difficult to maintain, we are actively looking at options for acquiring more vehicles to prepare for our future growth. In the meantime, keep enjoying the Comet cars! pic.twitter.com/6HskRJ6Jbf
— Utah Transit Authority – UTA (@RideUTA) March 23, 2022
