Orem’s public transportation options include the free UVX bus rapid transit line, FrontRunner commuter rail, and several UTA local bus routes, all of which connect directly to UVU’s campus. Students living at The Green on Campus Drive, located just steps from UVU at 499 W 960 S, can ride all of these for free with a valid UVU student ID.
Whether you need to get to class, run errands across town, or head north toward Salt Lake City for the weekend, Orem’s transit system covers more ground than most students expect from a college town this size.
The Green on Campus Drive Public Transportation in Orem
Orem’s transit backbone is the UVX bus rapid transit line, which runs straight through UVU’s campus and is free for students through their UVU ID. From there, FrontRunner commuter rail and several local UTA bus routes extend that access across Utah County and up toward Salt Lake City. Because The Green sits directly across the street from campus, residents are within easy walking distance of the UVX’s UVU Station without needing a car.
What Is the UVX Bus Rapid Transit Line?
The Utah Valley Express, or UVX, is the fastest and most direct way to get around Orem and Provo without a car. It’s a bus rapid transit line that runs in its own dedicated lanes, which means it isn’t stuck in the same traffic as regular street travel.
The Route Connects Orem Central Station to Provo Central Station
UVX runs along University Parkway and University Avenue, connecting Orem Central Station to Provo Central Station across 15 stops. Along the way, it stops directly at UVU, then continues on to University Place, BYU’s campus, and downtown Provo before reaching Provo Central Station, where it links up with FrontRunner.
Buses Run Frequently Most of the Day
| Time of Day | Approximate Frequency |
|---|---|
| Weekday peak hours | Every 6 minutes |
| Regular daytime hours | Every 10-15 minutes |
| Early morning and late evening | Every 15-30 minutes |
| Sundays | No service |
Because buses run so frequently during the day, students rarely need to plan far ahead to catch one, though it’s worth checking rideuta.com for the most current schedule before a Sunday trip.
Is Public Transportation Free for UVU Students?
One of the biggest advantages of attending UVU is that public transit essentially comes built into your student ID. This alone can save students a meaningful amount on transportation costs over a semester.
All current UVU students, along with faculty, staff, and their spouses and dependents, can ride UTA buses, TRAX, FrontRunner, and UVX at no additional cost, since the transit pass is built directly into the UVU ID and activates automatically. New students can pick up their UVU ID at Campus Connection in the Sorensen Center. To use it, simply tap your ID on the card reader when boarding UVX or entering a FrontRunner or TRAX platform.
Between the free fare and the frequency of service, there’s very little financial reason for a UVU student to rely on a car for regular campus trips.
How Does FrontRunner Connect Orem to the Rest of Utah?
For trips beyond Provo and Orem, FrontRunner is the regional option worth knowing about. It’s UTA’s commuter rail line, running along the Wasatch Front between Ogden and Provo.
Orem Central Station, located at 1350 West 900 South, is the local FrontRunner stop, and it also connects to UVX and several local bus routes in one place. The station includes a Park & Ride lot with close to 500 free parking spaces, and a pedestrian bridge links the station area to UVU’s campus for anyone arriving by train. FrontRunner runs Monday through Saturday, with no Sunday service.
For students who want to get up to Salt Lake City for a concert, a job interview, or just a change of scenery, FrontRunner turns that into a train ride instead of a long drive.
What Local UTA Bus Routes Serve UVU and Orem?
Beyond UVX and FrontRunner, a handful of local UTA bus routes fill in the gaps for destinations a bit further off the main corridor. These are especially useful for errands that take you away from the University Parkway corridor.
A few of the most relevant routes for UVU students include:
- Route 862 (Orem East-West) — connects Orem Central Station to University Place Station, passing through UVU and Canyon Park Technology Center
- Route 831 (Provo Grandview) — connects Provo Central Station to UVU by way of BYU
- Route 850 (State Street) — runs from Provo Central Station through University Place, Orem, Lindon, Pleasant Grove, American Fork, and Lehi
- Route 822 (South Utah County-BYU-UVU Limited) — connects UVU Station to BYU and continues south through Springville, Spanish Fork, and Payson
These routes are also covered by the same fare-free UVU ID pass, so switching between UVX and a local bus doesn’t cost anything extra.
What Other Transit Options Are Available in Orem?
For trips that don’t line up neatly with a fixed bus route, UTA also offers an on-demand microtransit service through the UTA On Demand app. It works similarly to a rideshare app, letting you request a ride within a designated service zone rather than walking to a fixed stop.
It’s a useful backup option for late-night trips or areas that fixed routes don’t cover as directly, and it’s available for both iOS and Android.
Why Does Living Near UVU Make Public Transit Even More Convenient?
Between the UVX, FrontRunner, and a handful of local bus routes, Orem gives UVU students more ways to get around than a typical college town, and nearly all of it is free with a student ID. Living within walking distance of the UVU Station means residents at The Green skip the extra step most students face just to reach a stop, and it makes car ownership far more optional than it would be living farther from campus.
If getting around without a car matters to you, it’s worth factoring proximity to the UVU Station into your apartment search. The Green’s location puts that convenience right at your doorstep, along with the rest of what makes it a great place to call home during your time at UVU.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is public transportation free for UVU students?
- Yes. UVU students, faculty, staff, and their dependents can ride UTA buses, TRAX, FrontRunner, and UVX at no additional cost, since the fare is built into the UVU student ID.
What is the UVX, and where does it go?
- UVX is a bus rapid transit line that runs between Orem Central Station and Provo Central Station, stopping directly at UVU, University Place, and BYU along the way.
How often does the UVX run?
- UVX runs about every 6 minutes during weekday peak hours and every 10 to 15 minutes during regular daytime hours, with no service on Sundays.
Does FrontRunner run on Sundays?
- No. FrontRunner operates Monday through Saturday, with no Sunday service.
How close is The Green on Campus Drive to public transportation?
- The Green is located directly across the street from UVU’s campus, putting residents within easy walking distance of the UVX’s UVU Station.
Are there other transportation options in Orem besides fixed bus routes?
- Yes. UTA On Demand offers on-demand microtransit rides within designated service zones for trips that don’t line up with a fixed route.
