MAX (Utah Transit Authority)

Description

MAX has service improvements that differ from regular bus service, such as Transit Signal Priority (TSP), increased spacing between stops, high-frequency service, and improved stops. With few exceptions, a MAX line has limited stops (at MAX, TRAX, or FrontRunner stations). Whenever reasonably possible, MAX operates along "guideways" (dedicated lanes separated from regular traffic by curbs). The guideways are more than just a bus lane, since all other traffic is prohibited from using the guideways, including other UTA buses. The first such guideway was built in West Valley City on 3500 South from 3600 West to 2700 West. Another characteristic that distinguishes MAX from regular bus service is that it does not have a set schedule for all of its stops (although there are estimated times for arrival). MAX leaves its first stop and travels as fast as legally and safely possible to the end of the line, never waiting or stopping at stations (except to drop off or pick up passengers). The unique buses used on the MAX lines are also larger (wider and longer) and feature wider isles and a distinctive exterior paint scheme (which includes a large white "X" on each side of the bus). The first MAX line (3500 South MAX) opened on July 14, 2008.

Another feature of MAX is that passengers may enter the unique buses by any of the three doors and do not have to show proof of fare upon boarding. Although fare payment (including the use bus tokens) can be made at the farebox upon boarding the front of the MAX bus, each MAX station has a ticket vending machine that accepts cash or credit cards. However, fares are enforced through random checks by UTA Transit Police, the same way as they are on streetcars, TRAX, and the FrontRunner. The fare for MAX is the same as for local bus service or TRAX and, like TRAX and FrontRunner tickets, MAX tickets also serve as a transfer to other UTA modes of transit. MAX lines (routes) are designated by an "M" at the end of the route number (for example, 35M).

All of UTA's TRAX and FrontRunner trains and stations, streetcars and streetcar stops, and all fixed-route buses, are compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act and are therefore accessible to those with disabilities. However, ADA boarding on MAX's unique buses is at the center door, rather than the front (as is the case with regular bus service). In accordance with the Utah Clean Air Act and UTA ordinance, "smoking is prohibited on UTA vehicles as well as UTA bus stops, TRAX stations, and FrontRunner stations".

Current MAX lines

Bus routes are current as of Change Day, December 18, 2016.

3500 South MAX

The 3500 South MAX line connects Magna with the West Valley Central TRAX Station in West Valley City and the Millcreek TRAX station in South Salt Lake, traveling along a route of 10 miles (16 km) on 3500 and 3300 South (SR-171). It is the first of several BRT lines that UTA is planning in the Salt Lake Valley and Utah County. Costs for the project totaled $7 million; a light rail extension along the same route would have cost $100 million. Original plans were to discontinue MAX service between the Millcreek and West Valley Central TRAX Stations once the West Valley extension of the TRAX Green Line was completed. However, even though the Green Line began service in August 2011, as of May 2014, service between the two TRAX stations still continues. The 3500 South MAX runs Monday through Saturday (no Sunday service) from about 6:00 am to midnight (every fifteen minutes on weekdays and every half-hour on Saturdays).

Future MAX lines

MAX lines are planned along 5600 West in Salt Lake County and along University Parkway and University Avenue in Provo/Orem. Studies for the feasibility of BRT are also being conducted areas in the Taylorsville/Murray area (4700 South) and the Holladay/Cottonwood Heights area (Wasatch Boulevard) and other areas. BRT lines are also being considered for Davis County. and along 5400 South, 12600 South, Redwood Road, State Street, and Highland Drive. In the coming years a total of 80 miles of BRT lines are planned along the Wasatch Front. On July 8, 2014, Davis County unanimously approved a resolution in support of a BRT route connecting downtown Salt Lake City with Bountiful.

Provo Orem MAX

The Provo Orem MAX line will connect the Orem Intermodal Center (FrontRunner station) with Utah Valley University (UVU), Brigham Young University (BYU), and the Provo Intermodal Center FrontRunner station along a route of approximately 11 miles (18 km). The initial anticipated route (Phase I) for the Provo Orem MAX will begin at the Orem Station and head east on University Parkway (SR-265/1300 South) to pass by the south side of the UVU campus. After passing along the south side of the University Mall, it will head southeast toward Provo and the junction of University Parkway and University Avenue (US-189). It will then connect with a stop on the southeast side of BYU campus by continuing east along University Parkway. It will then loop around the east side of BYU campus on North 900 East before returning to, and heading south along University Avenue. It will then stop at the Provo Station before passing by the Provo Towne Centre mall, making a loop through the East Bay Business Park, and finally retracing its route back to the Orem Intermodal Center.

In Phase II, the west end of the BRT line will be rerouted directly east from the Orem Station along 800 South and connect with the UVU campus by way of a high-occupancy/toll (HOT) interchange overpass. It will then pass by the north and east edges of UVU before reaching University Parkway and continuing along the remainder of its original route. Along with the reroute, the single MAX station on the south side of the UVU campus will be replaced by three new stations along the east and north sides of campus."

5600 West MAX

As part of the Mountain View Corridor Project a BRT line, the 5600 West MAX, will be built along 5600 West (SR-172/SR-134) in Salt Lake County. This project has three phases. Phase I will include BRT service along 5600 West between 6200 South (Bennion Boulevard) in Kearns and 2700 South in West Valley City. Upon reaching 2700 South it will then connect with Downtown Salt Lake City (including the via 2700 North, Bangerter Highway, 21st South Freeway, and I-15. Phase II will extend BRT service further south through West Jordan to 11800 South in South Jordan and further north to I-80 and the Salt Lake City International Airport. (This Phase II extension would also included connections with the Airport, 5600 W Old Bingham Hwy, South Jordan Parkway, and Daybreak Parkway stations.) However, in Phase III it is anticipated that the entire 5600 West MAX will be replaced by a TRAX line along the same right of way.

Murray Taylorsville MAX

The Murray Taylorsville MAX is a BRT project that is anticipated to connect the Murray City Center with the Murray Central Station and the main campus of Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) in Taylorsville with nine stations along the way. The anticipated route will begin in the Murray City Center, north of the Intermountain Medical Center. It will then run west along Vine Street (5090 South) to Murray Boulevard, connecting with the Murray Central Station along the way. It will then head roughly northwest to 4500 South (SR-226) along the following streets: Murray Boulevard, Murray-Taylorsville Road (4800 South), Sunstone Road, and Atherton Drive. Heading west along 4500 South, in dedicated lanes, it will then turn north along Redwood Road (SR-68) until in reaches the SLCC campus. The hope is, depending on funding, to have the Murray Taylorsville MAX completed by 2016.