🚆 Shorter wait for the FrontRunner?

FrontRunner could be getting a major upgrade, built right here in Salt Lake City. Utah transportation officials have selected Stadler’s west-side manufacturing plant to build a new fleet of commuter trains, a key piece of the state’s long-term plan to make FrontRunner better, faster, and stronger. The deal isn’t finalized yet, but it signals that one of Utah’s biggest transit investments is moving closer to reality.

• New trains, shorter wait times: The proposed $328 million contract would cover at least 10 new diesel-powered trainsets designed to replace FrontRunner’s aging fleet. The Utah Transit Authority says new vehicles are essential to its goal of cutting today’s 30-60 minute wait times between trains. [Salt Lake Tribune]
• Made in Salt Lake City: Stadler’s Salt Lake City factory has grown from a small operation out of UTA’s maintenance facility to a 500,000-square-foot North American headquarters, employing nearly 750 people. Stadler was the only company to bid on the project, so the trains will likely be assembled locally. [Deseret News, Salt Lake Tribune]
• This is just one piece of a bigger plan: The new trains are tied to the Utah Department of Transportation’s $3.2 billion FrontRunner double-tracking project, which would allow trains to pass one another more easily and dramatically increase service. [FrontRunner2X]
• When can you ride? State officials are still pursuing federal funding, and riders likely won’t see the improvement for at least four years. But, hey, at least we’re on track.

South Salt Lake Clears Neighborhood Gardens

South Salt Lake has followed through on plans to remove gardens and fruit trees behind Parkway Avenue homes, despite months of pushback from residents. The city says it’s securing its city-owned property, while neighbors are mourning the loss of green space. [Salt Lake Tribune]

Millions Owed Over DNA Breach

Utah and more than 40 other states reached an $18 million settlement with 23andMe after the company’s massive data breach exposed the personal and genetic information of nearly 7 million customers. Utah will get about $462,000 which will be used to “further protect consumers and address the ramifications of the data breach.” [KSL]

Tribal Seals Removed From Bears Ears

After President Trump shrank Bears Ears National Monument by 91%, federal agencies have started removing monument signs and the seals of the five tribes that helped manage the lands. Tribal leaders say the move symbolizes the dismantling of years of collaboration. [Salt Lake Tribune]

How the Whale Earned SLC’s Affection

Before the 9th and 9th whale was a Salt Lake icon, people hated it. I mean haaaaated it. We walk down memory lane and share a big update about this lightning rod. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

• Assistant Program Director at Encircle St. George | $18 - $20 per hour
• Sales Associate at Cake Park City
• Golf Marshal (2 openings) at The Ranches Golf Club
• Part-Time Museum Assistant at Murray City Museum | $16 per hour
• Mental Health School Navigator at City Academy Charter School | Living Stipend & Education Award
• Temporary Crafts Artisan at Utah Symphony, Utah Opera | $25 per hour
• Part-Time Adoptive Family Consultant & Community Volunteer Coordinator at Utah Foster Care | $27 per hour