Bay CrossingsBay
Round UpGasoline Still
Going Up
Bay Crossings Staff Report
A growing number of observers are now
predicting $3.00 a gallon gas prices for California (and
that’s for regular). In turn, ferry operators and agencies
will be faced with higher fuel bills as these prices spill
over to non-road use diesel fuel, as used in most ferries.
BART Considering Cell Service in
Tunnels
BART is considering wiring its tunnels for cell phone
reception, so you can make calls in the formerly “dark”
areas.
Caltrain to Start Baby Bullets
Starting after June 6th, Caltrain will begin operating its
express service, called the “Baby Bullet Train” between San
Francisco and San Jose, saving more than 30 minutes of
travel time. Peninsula residents have given up weekend
Caltrain service for over two years to allow construction of
extra passing tracks that will allow the new schedules to
bypass stations and slower trains. Weekend service resumes
on June 5th.
The Governor Terminates AC Transit Budget
Governor Schwarzenegger’s proposed budget lifts $20 million
a year for two years out of AC Transit’s already chopped
budget to help balance the state’s budget. The
Hummer-driving Governor’s cut represents 6% of the total
amounts to be collected from all over the state, according
to AC Transit. The District also says it would be forced to
cut $20 million in service by July 1st to make up the
difference. This additional cut comes directly after AC
raised its rates and cut service to balance its current
budget for a $25 million savings.
Golden Gate Fares to Go UP
The Bridge District approved a 10% increase in bus and ferry
rates to help balance the budget. The rate increases are
scheduled for July 1st.
Bay Area Air Quality District Levies Fine
The Air Quality District levied a fine at the Port of
Oakland against SSA Terminals for allowing its trucks, who
were waiting for admission to the terminal to idle for
longer than 30 minutes. The amount of the fine has not yet
been announced, but could be up to $250 per violation.
BART Faces Budget Cuts
BART also faces budget cuts of $9 million in the Governor’s
take-back budget plan.
Old Ferry Photographs
Some of the Guy Span collection of old ferry photographs,
posters, and a few models are on display at the Lurie
Company 2nd Floor Atrium Gallery located at 901 Market
Street (at 5th). The exhibit will be on display from June
4th to September 17th, and the gallery is open to the public
from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Along with the photographs,
watercolors of historic scenes by Larry A. Wilson, S.W.A.,
will also be on display.