page_title: MAX (Utah Transit Authority)
section_title: Description
hierarchical_section_title: MAX (Utah Transit Authority) / Description
caption_attribution_description: English: New MAX bus rapid transit shelter at the Millcreek TRAX station. Banner reads "Before the first train and after the last - MAX."
context_page_description: MAX is a bus rapid transit service operated by Utah Transit Authority along the Wasatch Front in Utah, United States. It is described by UTA as "light rail on rubber tires". As of December 2016 there is only one line in service so far, but several more are planned.
context_section_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".
caption: The MAX bus shelter at the Millcreek TRAX Station
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