ROY -- There are a few things you should know before riding FrontRunner for the first time, especially if you're in a large group.
The Utah Transit Authority recently conducted an internal investigation after an incident at the Roy FrontRunner station, where a Girl Scout was separated from her troop and left standing on the platform as the train pulled away with the rest of the group inside.
According to a complaint filed by one of the adult Girl Scout leaders who was with the group, the mechanical door, which opens and closes automatically, shut too fast and the young girl didn't have enough time to get on.
When leaders of the group tried to use the emergency call box that patches through to the train operator, there was no response.
UTA spokesman Gerry Carpenter said a customer service agent also told the women the doors are programmed to stay open for 90 seconds at each stop, which is not the case.
"That agent has been retrained," Carpenter said.
Carpenter said the emergency call box the group tried to use was not working, but it is being fixed.
"It's important the safety features are working," he said. "We check those intercoms every week to make sure they are working. Unfortunately, it wasn't working."
Carpenter said UTA took the complaint seriously and was concerned over the party's unpleasant experience, but he also noted there are a few things people should be aware of that might help them avoid a similar incident.
First, Carpenter said, the doors used to enter and exit FrontRunner stay open for approximately 30 seconds.
There is also a button, directly to the side of the door that will allow the door to stay open for about another 12 seconds. The button can be pushed as much as needed and the train can't move while any of the doors open.
"We feel like the (30-second) dwell time is the best balance between allowing enough time and waiting too long," Carpenter said. "People obviously need sufficient time to get on and off, but the train also has to move in a timely manner."
There is an "electronic eye" positioned near the door that won't allow it to close if someone is standing in the doorway.
UTA also employs "station hosts" on every train to assist riders if needed.
Carpenter said those traveling in large groups, like the Girl Scout troop, should take a few other precautions.
"We recommend that if you have a large group, you stay together," he said. "Small kids shouldn't be allowed to run ahead, and if you have a lot of personal items with you, you should start to gather them up before the train comes to a stop."
After a call to Weber County dispatch, a Roy police officer was sent to check on the girl, and she was reunited with her group.
For more safety information and tips on how to ride FrontRunner, visit www.rideuta.com.
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