Press Releases

For Immediate Release

BART Service to Get Boost From Regional Measure 2 Cash

CONTACT:

Randy Rentschler 510.817.5780
John Goodwin 510.817.5862

OAKLAND, Calif., April 26, 2006 . . . The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) today allocated $3.4 million in voter-approved Regional Measure 2 bridge toll money to help finance a set of crossover tracks near the Pleasant Hill BART station. By allowing trains to be turned back at this location, the new tracks will support more frequent service between Pleasant Hill and San Francisco during peak commute periods.

“Bay Area voters spoke loud and clear when they approved RM 2,” said Contra Costa County Supervisor and MTC Commissioner Mark DeSaulnier, referring to the 2004 ballot measure in which voters authorized a $1 hike in tolls on the region’s seven state-owned toll bridges to finance a sweeping Regional Traffic Relief Plan. “They want better transit options across the bay. The Central Contra Costa Crossover delivers a huge payoff on a relatively small investment.”

MTC has thus far allocated nearly $4.7 million in Measure 2 funds to BART for the estimated $25 million Central Contra Costa Crossover project. The latest allocation includes $2.9 million for final design work plus $500,000 for right-of-way easements. The Commission previously allocated $1.23 million for environmental and conceptual design.

MTC has now allocated a total of some $371 million in Measure 2 funds. The commitments to date include $344 million for 28 separate capital projects and $27 million for transit operations around the Bay Area.

MTC is the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area’s transportation planning, coordinating and financing agency.

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