FW: Transportation update on BART in 20th Assembly District
Clint Johns
A green look at politics… or green washing?
From: Assemblymem...@outreach.assembly.ca.gov [mailto:Assemblymem...@outreach.assembly.ca.gov]
Sent: None
Subject: Transportation update on BART in 20th Assembly District
Torrico and Wieckowski working to make BART to San Jose a reality
Aren’t you tired of facing the burden of commuting in heavy traffic every day? I know I am, and that is why I, and local officials like Councilman Bob Wieckowski have spent so much time working on bringing the BART to San Jose station closer to fruition.
While constant construction in the 880 and 680 corridors has improved our transportation corridors, we need new options that deliver affordable mass transit and reduce clogging on our freeways. That is why BART to San Jose has been a high priority of mine since my days as an aide to the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, staff counsel for the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, and now as an Assemblymember.
Luckily, I have not been alone. Fremont, with Wieckowski as point, has worked diligently with BART Boardmember Tom Blalock and Supervisor Scott Haggerty over the years to extend BART south.
These efforts are paying off. Construction of the 5.4 mile extension from the Fremont BART Station into the Warm Springs district is well underway, improving our transportation system and supplying much-needed jobs. The new Warm Springs Station will have bus intermodal, passenger drop off areas, bicycle and pedestrian pathways and automobile and bicycle parking.
The extension into Santa Clara County will reach over 16 miles. When it’s fully completed, it will include one station in Milpitas, four in San Jose and one in Santa Clara. The extension will bring thousands of jobs to the region and support transit-oriented developments.
Earlier this year, we received some good news when the Federal Transit Administration included the BART to San Jose extension in its “new starts” program, meaning it could be in line for $900 million in future federal funding. If the federal funds are received next year, construction could begin in late 2011. Through years of planning, hard work and voter support, BART’s extension south is moving forward.
Another option for commuters will also be available, starting this September. The I-680 southbound Express Lane from Highway 84 to Highway 237 will become operational. The Express Lane will give solo drivers the choice to pay an electronic toll to use the 14-mile lane and regular carpool users can continue to use it for free. Revenue from the lane will pay for operations, transit service on the I-680 corridor, as well as a future northbound project.
The I-580 12-mile eastbound Express Lane from Hacienda Drive in Pleasanton to just east of Greenville Road in Livermore will become operational in 2011.
This is positive news for all of us who support a variety of transportation options for residents and workers in the 20th Assembly District and beyond.
Please click here if you would like to continue receiving information on transportation issues in the 20th Assembly district.
Sincerely, Alberto Torrico Assemblymember, 20th District
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