WEST BOUNTIFUL -- The UTA's commuter rail that is going through portions of Woods Cross and West Bountiful is on schedule so far, according to City Administrator Wendell Wild.

"For now the commuter rail is going together well," said Wild. "We look forward to the completion of this project as it moves along."

Despite reports from Salt Lake County that the commuter rail wouldn't help with the congestion problems on I-15 because of the lack of use of public transportation there, Wild is positive about the commuter rail for West Bountiful and surrounding cities.

"This should help relieve some of the stress in other areas of the city," said Wild. "Especially where there are traffic congestion problems around the on ramps."

When the project is completed, it will allow commuters from West Bountiful to travel to Salt Lake City and beyond without having to fight through traffic and congestion. And since West Bountiful has been growing economically, Wild sees this as an advantage to the citizens of the city.

"There's so much building going on around here," said Wild. "The new Lowe's is running, Larry H. Miller has just opened up very close to (Lowe's), the Texas Roadhouse is being built and the new office building with Mr. Mac moving there in the summer; we as a city are looking forward to the rail system."

UTA's projection of cost and ridership shows that each commuter in Weber and Davis Counties use of the rail would be subsidized by an estimated $1,200 per month, but the completion of the project should allow most people in the valley to travel without using a car or any other mode of transportation.

The scheduled completion date for the rail is estimated to be around the spring of this year, and John Inglish, the general manager of UTA, is excited for the future of the project once completed.

"The rail will provide our passengers with more flexibility and will promote ridership among those who already take the bus," said Inglish. "We believe this will be a more economical and attractive system for many of our anticipated users."

Some residents, though, haven't taken lightly the in-crease in fares that have taken effect since the beginning of the year. While a standard fare was $1.50 two years ago when the project started, it has since increased by 50 cents.

Inglish doesn't see that as an issue, noting the increase in fare is needed in order to provide funding for the completion of the rail.

Wild, however, remains undaunted. "I only see a positive impact when the rail is completed," he said. "This will further help the economic growth of our city."