BART pushes into Silicon Valley

Written by Bach Phan

The project to extend BART closer to Santa Clara County in the Silicon Valley is already visibly underway. Towards Washington Hospital in Fremont, there is already the sight of trailers and the beginnings of the construction process. This project first started in 2004 with Measure 2, which raised $125 million by increasing bridge tolls by $1. The funds were to be used for projects under the Regional Relief Plan. The funds were allocated to the project in 2004, and construction is to begin in 2010 and completed in 2014.

The project was divided up into two large contracts, the Fremont Central Park Subway Contract and the Line, Track, Station and Systems Contract. This is used to minimize the cost of the construction which is projected to be around $136 million. The first contract is to begin the underground phase construction Aug. 10.

The BART tracks will run under Stevenson Boulevard and around the right-end section of Lake Elizabeth. Washington Boulevard will also be made into an overpass and Paseo Padre Parkway will be made into an underpass.

This project creates many jobs, directly and indirectly. It is estimated to create and support around 26,000 new jobs during the two contracts.

Students at Washington High School like the idea of the extension because there will be more travel options. The VTA bus system also provides transportation to the Silicon Valley, and is able to take people from the Fremont BART Station to the Diridon Station across the street from the HP Pavilion. The buses drop people off at covenient locations for a minimal cost of $1.50. If the BART station is able to deliver the same cost-efficient service to an area of equal desirability, then there will be an attraction.

There is also another issue with the BART going to Warm Springs because the stop is still too far from Pacific Commons, which is the popular destination for many students if they are to travel to the area. In order for the new BART construction to become a success with students and the populace in general, then it will need to make itself affordable and accessible. This will not be an easy feat with so many competing companies armed with services that could make this a failure. The already abundance of competition of services and travel options might make this new BART extension unnecessary and unsuccessful. However, the BART continues to be a sign of the Bay Area’s push forward in modernization in transportation.

1. Editor-in-Chief Says:
   December 8th, 2009 at 8:31 pm

   Wow. This is amazing. Just thing about all the changes that will be implemented in only four years.

   [Reply]