Community leaders from Utah County took a test ride Friday of FrontRunner, the commuter train that will run from Pleasant View, north of Ogden, to Salt Lake City starting in the spring.

The special ride was conducted by UTA as a demonstration of the high-speed commuter rail. They anticipate service will be extended to Utah County in a little more than three years. They plan stops in Provo, Orem, American Fork and at Thanksgiving Point. They have hired the contractors who will begin construction on what will be termed FrontRunner South.

Utah County Commissioner Larry Ellertson said he was anticipating having the service in Utah County.

"I am looking forward to it," said Ellertson, a Lindon resident. "I am excited for it to be in. I believe once it is in place and people begin to understand and appreciate the convenience, it will be well utilized."

Hugh Johnson, Regional General Manager of UTA's Timpanogos Division in Utah County, told the riders about the timetable.

"We will begin utility work in spring of 2008," he said. "The environmental work has been completed. The rail line should be completed to Provo by 2011. It sounds like a long time, but it will go quickly."

Johnson said the line would be completed about the same time as reconstruction would begin on the freeway.

"This will alleviate some of those problems," he said.

He anticipated other benefits, including access to Utah County from people in Salt Lake County.

"It will be a great benefit for the economy of the valley," he said.

Steve Densley of the Provo-Orem Chamber of Commerce agreed.

"We are excited about the ability to get Salt lake citizens down to shop," he said.

On the 15-mile demonstration ride Friday, the train reached 79 mph, surpassing the traffic on the nearby freeway, especially at one point where the traffic came to a standstill because of an obstruction.

Nelson Abbott, a member of the Elk Ridge City Council, said he enjoyed the trip.

"It was nice, very clean and quiet," he said. "The best part was seeing the cars not moving and going right past them."

Johnson explained there was no "clickety-clack" typical of standard trains because the rails had been welded to eliminate the noise.

Most of the trains will have and engine and three cars, although they can handle up to seven. Some of the trains have a capacity of 10 cars. The trains with three cars have a capacity of 450 passengers. There are main and upper levels, with a mid-level section at each end of the car.

Orem Mayor Jerry Washburn also said he liked the ride.

"I think it was a very helpful trip to get a feeling for the equipment we will have," he said. "I think it will be a real boon to our communities."

NEWS BRIEFS

Business Alliance holiday social -- The Pleasant Grove Business Alliance will hold its Holiday Social on Friday. The meeting begins at noon in the basement of the Pleasant Grove City Library.

Members of the Pleasant Grove High School Chamber Choir will be performing. A light lunch will be sponsored by Edward Jones Investments.

Blanket drive -- The North Utah Valley Animal Shelter is now accepting blanket donations for the holiday season. Blankets can be donated at the shelter until Dec. 31. All blankets donated will go to the Food and Care Coalition. The shelter is located at 293 N. 2000 West in Lindon.

Twilight Tales -- Christmas stories will be shared at Twilight Tales on Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. This family story time is held each Wednesday downstairs at Pleasant Grove's Library, 30 E. Center Street. No fee or registration is required.

READ Book Group to meet -- The READ Book Group will meet Thursday, Dec. 13, at 10 a.m. at the Pleasant Grove Library. Librarian Eloise Fugal will present favorite Holiday Stories and Readings. The group is free to all interested adults.

Utah Children's Choir -- The Utah Children's Choir will be presenting its annual Christmas concerts this month. The choir will perform on Dec. 8 at the Utah State Hospital Chapel in Provo and on Dec. 11 at the Alpine Art Center in Alpine. Both concerts begin at 7:30 p.m.

The choir and parent organization are currently selling booster passes for the choir. This is a special discounted pass for three concerts this year. The booster pass price is $12 for an individual, $20 for a couple and $25 for immediate family. Contact Lisa Best at 756-5446 or Lutie Larsen at 785-7416 for more information.