World Travel Guide

City Guide  - Salt Lake City  - Getting Around
Getting Around

Public Transport

As with most cities in the United States, driving is the main form of transportation. However, Salt Lake City's new light rail service, TRAX, along with a good bus network, has helped to ease traffic congestion and to improve travel between the suburbs and the city centre. Both are operated by Utah Transit Authority (tel: (801) 262 5626 or 743 3882, information on routes). Together, they provide more than 100 different routes throughout the metropolitan region. There are also services to nearby cities such as Ogden and Provo.

Most buses (tel: BUS-INFO = 287 4636) run 0600-2400 on weekdays and 0700-2400 on Saturdays. There is limited Sunday service on regular routes.

TRAX, which stands for Transit Express, began operating its light rail service in December 1999. The 24km (15-mile) line runs between 10000 South in Sandy and the Delta Center in downtown Salt Lake. There are 16 stations, each decorated with original artwork. Trains stop at the stations every 10 to 30 minutes, 0530-2300 on weekdays and Saturday. There is no Sunday service. Schedules can be accessed online (web site: www.rideuta.com/schedules) and are also available at Visitor Information Centers and other public facilities. There are 11 free Park & Ride lots near the stations.

The standard one-way fare within the valley is US$1. A large section of the downtown area, including Temple Square and the area just west of the State Capitol, is a fare-free zone, and there is no charge if you enter and exit a bus or TRAX between the designated streets. A day pass, which is valid for unlimited rides on buses and TRAX light rail, is a bargain at US$2. Full fare tickets can be purchased from vending machines or when boarding the bus. These tickets are valid for two hours from the time of purchase and can be used as often as necessary on both buses and light rail. Day passes can also be bought at vending machines or from Pass Sales outlets at supermarkets and other retailers. The latter are the most convenient, because they are self-validating and can be purchased in quantity and used as needed.

During the winter, a special ski bus operates to Little Cottonwood Canyon, Alta, Brighton and Sundance ski resorts; the US$3.50 pass is also valid on TRAX and local buses.

Taxis

There are three main taxi companies in Salt Lake City, which offer 24-hour service: City Cab (tel: (801) 363 8400 or 363 5550); Yellow Cab Company (tel: (801) 521 2100 or (800) 826 4746); and Ute Cab Co (tel: (801) 359 7788). All taxis are metered. It is customary to tip taxi drivers 15%.

Limousines and Charter Buses

For longer journeys or a day of sightseeing, a variety of limousine services operate within Salt Lake City and the region. Stretch limousines, luxury sedans, 4x4s and other vehicles are available from DJ's Executive Image (tel: (801) 250 5758 or (877) 250 5758); DLS (tel: (801) 521 2077); Executive Charter (tel: (801) 766 9299 or (800) 787 0507); and Legend Limousine (tel: (801) 296 0233 or (888) 296 0233). Prices start from US$60 per hour, with a three hour maximum.

Le Bus
(tel: (801) 975 0202 or (800) 366 0288) is a charter bus and van company offering competitive rates. Casino Caravans (tel: (801) 685 9311 or (800) 876 5825) is a charter bus service with daily casino trips to Wendover and Nevada in addition to local services.

Driving in the City

With wide streets laid out in an easy-to-follow grid system, driving in Salt Lake City poses few problems. The grid starts at the Meridian Marker at the intersection of Main Street and South Temple. From here, streets are numbered in increments of 100, and located by grid co-ordinates - South or North (of South Temple) and East or West (of Main Street) - for example, 138 West 300 South.

A good system of freeways bypasses the city centre and provides quick access to the canyons and suburban areas. Parking lots and meters provide ample parking.

Car Hire

Service providers include: Advantage (tel: (801) 531 1199 or (800) 777 5500); Avis (tel: (801) 575 2847 or (800) 331 1212); Dollar (tel: (801) 575 2580 or (800) 800 4000); Hertz (tel: (801) 575 2683 or (800) 654 3131); National (tel: (801) 575 2277 or (800) 227 7368); and Thrifty (tel: (801) 265 6677). Most major hotels can also arrange car hire on visitors' behalf. Rates begin at US$28 a day. Visitors should always enquire whether rates quoted include Collision Damage insurance, as this is not automatically included in American car hire rates; and check whether the rate includes unlimited mileage, which is recommended if excursions are planned for outside the city.

Bicycle Hire

Cycling is popular in Salt Lake City and the surrounding region, with mountain biking trails in the nearby mountains. Two shops that offer bicycle hire in the downtown area are Utah Ski and Golf, 134 West 600 South (tel: (801) 355 9088), with five other locations around the city, and Wasatch Touring, 702 East 100 South (tel: (801) 359 9361). Rates are around US$5 per hour, US$12 for half a day and US$18 for a full day.



Copyright © 2001 Columbus Publishing
    
GENERAL
City Overview
City Statistics
Cost of Living
 
GETTING THERE
Air
Road
Rail
 
GETTING AROUND
Getting Around
 
BUSINESS
Business
 
SIGHTSEEING
Sightseeing
Key Attractions
Further Distractions
Tours of the City
Excursions
 
ENTERTAINMENT
Nightlife
Sport
Shopping
Culture
Special Events