World City Guide

Getting Around

Public Transport
As with most cities in the USA, driving is the main form of transportation. However, Salt Lake City’s 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 services are operated by Utah Transit Authority (tel: (801) 743 3882; website: www.rideuta.com). 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: (801) 287 4636) run 0600-2400 on weekdays and 0700-2400 on Saturdays. There is limited Sunday service on some regular routes.

TRAX, which stands for Transit Express, began a light rail service in late 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. The University Line, an additional east–west leg, intersects the main line at Main Street station and connects Downtown with the University of Utah. Trains stop at the stations every 10 to 30 minutes (0530-2300 Mon to Thur, 0530 to 0100 on Fri and Sat, and from 0930 to 2130 on Sun).

Schedules can be accessed online (website: www.rideuta.com/schedulesandmaps) and are also available at Visitor Information Centers and other public facilities. There are 11 free Park & Ride lots located near the stations.

The standard one-way fare within the valley for both buses and TRAX is US$1.40. 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 commuters or visitors enter and exit a bus or TRAX between the designated streets. Tickets are available for purchase from vending machines or on boarding the bus. These are valid for two hours from the time of purchase and can be used as often as necessary on both buses and light rail.

An All Day Pass, which is valid for unlimited rides on buses and TRAX light rail, is a bargain at US$3.50. Day passes are also available from 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$6 pass is also valid on TRAX and local buses.

Taxis
Several taxi companies in Salt Lake City offer a 24-hour service, including City Cab (tel: (801) 363 5550), Yellow Cab Company (tel: (801) 521 2100 or (800) 826 4746) and Ute Cab Co (tel: (801) 359 7788). Most people telephone for service but cabs can also be hailed in the street and there are taxi stands at hotels and other locations around the city. All taxis are metered and it is customary to tip taxi drivers 15%.

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. Many scenic routes are quickly accessible from the city but drivers should take care on steep and winding mountain roads.

Parking lots cost US$3-5 per day, while mall lots are more expensive at about US$10, although stores will provide validation for free parking. Parking meters cost 25 cents for 20 minutes to one hour of parking time. Meters are free after 1800 and allow for two hours of free parking on Saturday. There are 11 free Park & Ride lots located near the light rail stations (see Public Transport).

Car Hire
Service providers include Avis (tel: (801) 575 2847 or (800) 331 1212; website: www.avis.com), Dollar (tel: (801) 575 2580 or (800) 800 4000; website: www.dollar.com), Hertz (tel: (801) 575 2683 or (800) 654 3131; website: www.hertz.com), National (tel: (801) 575 2277 or (800) 227 7368; website: www.nationalcar.com) and Thrifty (tel: (801) 265 6677 or (800) 847 4389; website: www.thrifty.com). Most major hotels will also arrange car hire on their guests’ behalf. Rates begin at approximately US$30 a day.

The minimum age to hire a car is generally 25 years. For UK nationals, a full UK driving licence is sufficient. Other nationalities are required to have an International Driving Permit accompanied by a full driving licence from their home country. Rates generally include mandatory liability insurance, although visitors should always enquire whether rates quoted include Collision Damage insurance, as this is not automatically included in American car hire rates. Drivers should also check whether the rate includes unlimited mileage, which is recommended if excursions are planned for outside the city.

Car hire companies generally provide a number to call should problems arise, otherwise drivers should call the AAA emergency breakdown line (see Getting There By Road).

Bicycle Hire
Cycling is popular in Salt Lake City and the surrounding region, with mountain biking trails in the nearby mountains. Utah Ski and Golf, 134 West 600 South (tel: (801) 355 9088 or (800) 858 5221; website: www.utahskigolf.com), offers bicycle hire in the Downtown area, with three other locations around the city.