February 2004

MTC Publication Available
The MTC has published its State of the System with facts figures and information about various services. You can get a free copy by e-mail at library@mtc.ca.gov.

BART Takes Another Hit
Looks like BART to San Jose won’t be happening anytime soon. Not only did it get unfunded by the governor’s draft budget, it has now been “not recommended” by federal transit planners in a report to Congressional funding sources.

Bankrupt California Western Railroad Sold
The famous Skunk Train, operating in bankruptcy for over a year has been sold to the Sierra Railroad for $1.4 million. Sierra plans to add services and reinstate regular operations in May for the famous passenger train between Willits and Fort Brag. The Skunk was the last privately operated daily passenger and mail service in America.

Alameda Gets a New Ferry Service
The island of Alameda just won the Triple Crown for ferry service. Despite canceling its regular weekend service to San Francisco, the city has now funded a 15-month experiment, where the existing Jack London Water Taxi will carry bicyclists across the estuary from Chevy’s in Alameda to Jack London Square in Oakland. The trip takes about five minutes and the subsidized round trip fare is $1. Regular passengers are $5. Service is available from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm Saturday and Sunday. This makes the third ferry service for Alameda, in addition to Harbor Bay and the Alameda Oakland Ferry.

Mike Healy, Spokesman for BART to Retire
Mike Healy, who has been the spokesman for BART since its inception in 1971, plans to retire in April. He was there when the first test train went off the end of the track and has coolly handled BART’s emergencies ever since.

Keep Off the Rocks
A detailed report prepared by the Army Corps of Engineers concluded that to lower the height of rocks that are topping out at a depth of 36 feet between Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge would cost $22 million and would be a waste of money. The study was performed because deep-draft vessels and oil tankers drawing 50 feet regularly pass near by. As usual, the environmentalists disagreed.

Napa Considers New Tax
Napa is considering placing a half-cent sales tax before the voters in the November election to fund transportation projects. Various projects are being considered including road widening and new rail service. The measure would require a two-thirds majority to pass.

BART Airport Extension Under Performs
Ridership on BART’s new SFO airport extension is around 26,000 a day versus the projected 45,000. The airport itself has been fairly busy but the other stations such as Colma have been relatively dead.

BART Raises Rates Again
On January 1, BART raised its rates 10%, sending the average ticket price up from $2.55 to $2.80. Last year, BART also enacted a fare increase.