Historically, most students drove to campus, but that is changing, thanks to TRAX and to the growing gap between the number of campus parking spaces and the number of cars vying for them.

A planned mixed-use development adjacent to the Rice-Eccles Stadium and TRAX station might enhance TRAX ridership. And, if it lured more students onto the trains with shops and services near the TRAX station, that could benefit those who drive by reducing the competition for precious parking spots.

Right now, details about the project are sketchy, so we're withholding final judgment, but if it develops as planned, it could enhance the campus, the neighborhood and students' university experience.

University officials want to replace the 8-acre parking lot just west of the stadium on the southwest corner of the U. campus with offices, restaurants, shops and apartments. Most of the 960 parking spaces in the ugly, sprawling expanse of asphalt that greets visitors and students now would be replaced with structured parking.

The plan is to locate offices for the U.'s continuing education, admissions and other "front office" functions in some of the project's 40,000 square feet of office space. That would be a real boon to prospective students and community residents unfamiliar with the huge campus who now have to navigate through its maze of roads and buildings to find the offices they need.

The U. campus is not what anyone would call "walkable." There are few amenities such as shops and restaurants for pedestrians on campus. But this development, located at the busiest of the four campus TRAX stations, could help change that.

Its tie to public transportation could lead to fewer students driving and less pollution and asphalt. The 150 townhouses or condominiums envisioned in the plan could provide housing for students or faculty - if the space is kept affordable, as it should be. The U.'s plans could also bring additional customers to the businesses located at 1300 South and 200 East.

We may feel differently as plans develop, but we like what we've seen so far.