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FrontRunner's first winter / Winter weather proves good for business as commuters opt to leave their vehicles at home
By MITCH SHAWSLIDESHOW: Snowy Day
LAYTON -- Snow made the Monday morning commute a nightmare -- unless you were on FrontRunner.
As motorists plodded their way through heavy snow and slow-moving traffic, passengers on the commuter rail were comfortable enough to roast chestnuts.
"This is the way to go if it's snowing," said Layton resident Rafaela Castro. "I'm glad I don't have to deal with traffic on a day like today."
The first winter for FrontRunner has proven to be good for business, said Utah Transit Authority spokeswoman Carrie Bohnsack-Ware.
"So far, we've see about a 10 (percent) to 15 percent increase in ridership numbers on days like this. People would rather hop on the train than deal with the snow."
Although there were no major accidents, traffic on Interstate 15 was bogged down all day, with cars sliding off the road and numerous fender benders.
"We did have quite a few accidents, but it's about what you would expect on a day like this," said Utah Highway Patrol Trooper Cameron Roden.
"On any big snow day, traffic is going to move slower and the commute times are going to be slower, so taking FrontRunner is probably a good idea."
Although snow certainly hampers the mobility of a car, Bohnsack-Ware said FrontRunner is virtually unaffected.
"We have air blowers that keep the switches on the track clean -- they are activated automatically when they detect moisture," she said.
"And then, as long as the trains keep running, the track stays clear for the most part."
FrontRunner trains are equipped with plows for cases of very deep snow or large snow drifts that may impede its progress, Bohnsack-Ware said.
"We do have plows, so even if the snow got really deep, we could plow out of it."
FrontRunner riders at the Layton station reported on-time departures and arrivals throughout the day.
"Usually the train takes a little bit longer," Castro said, "but I think today it's actually been faster."
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