Maybe if Bart wasn't so ridiculously expensive to build thanks to the poor way the laws are written so most of the funds don't go into the pockets of big company's, we could have conventional Bart service all the way to Stockton 20 years ago for half the cost of a less than 5 mile extension, or better yet spend less money on freeway infrastructure, something only people that can afford an expensive polluting automobile can enjoy and built a reliable public transit network for all citizens, oh I'm sorry I forgot this is America I'm talking about, nevermind.
They built the Antioch extension because they were widening Highway 4 enough to put tracks in the middle (so it was technically part of a freeway infrastructure project). I can see your point about spending less money on freeway infrastructure, especially in the Bay Area. Building more freeways means building more traffic congestion. Trains are the answer for easy commutes in California. Why do so many people in the Bay Area drive when there are so many trains to choose from and such bad traffic? People must love polluting.
No, this is CALIFORNIA. Totally different animal than other, better-run states in the U.S. Having lived in several other states I've seen how transit CAN work when it's not tangled in bureaucratic red tape, and chained to labor interests and crooked politicians. Ride light rail from SLC Airport to downtown in 15 mins for $2.00 vs. BART for $9.65 - any way you cut it, BART is less efficient, way overpriced, poorly managed, dirtier, and louder than most other train/subway systems. And it'll stay this way because we keep voting the same. #RegimeChange
If BART has pursued standard technology rather than a unique one BART could've had more rail in more areas at less cost. Why is nobody else anywhere in the world build a rail system based on BART technology?
The gauge BART uses is used throughout India and Nepal. Why they chose this gauge for BART only in the US is beyond me. I think maybe they wanted to show the US that they have lots of money and can build a 110 mile subway system with the most expensive gauge. But this... Antioch has been paying BART taxes since BART began and now that BART finally services their town, they are forced to get a two-seat ride to San Francisco. What a shame.
Erik Kruse how is Bart overpriced, some lines on Bart are 50 miles long compared to the much shorter lines in other cities. It they charged low fares they would need a higher taxpayer operating subsidy. Before the Virus the fare paid for 70% of expenses, the highest percentage of any US rail system. This shows how well managed they are. Anyways the cleanliness argument is illogical, every other subway system in this country is unclean.
Yep! Maybe they can build extensions to Marin County, other parts of San Francisco and down to Palo Alto, as the original system called for. The only reason that didn't happen is because San Mateo County backed out of the BART District, and Marin County had to back out because taxes got too out of control in the wake of San Mateo County leaving. If we can convince San Mateo County officials to join the BART District, maybe we can build an extension to the original system plans!
Well, who gives a shit about buses? They're polluting and slow. Just cuz they're big doesn't give them a free pass through the Bay Area's standstill traffic.
We pat ourselves on the back for accomplishing things 30 years later than we should have at astronomical costs due to garbage bureaucracy and unsustainable business models which overpay employees and have ridiculous pensions and benefits programs. Outside the California bubble, other cities do transit better - and for cheaper! But keep voting for the same crusty politicians so we can keep patting ourselves on the back.
Maybe if Bart wasn't so ridiculously expensive to build thanks to the poor way the laws are written so most of the funds don't go into the pockets of big company's, we could have conventional Bart service all the way to Stockton 20 years ago for half the cost of a less than 5 mile extension, or better yet spend less money on freeway infrastructure, something only people that can afford an expensive polluting automobile can enjoy and built a reliable public transit network for all citizens, oh I'm sorry I forgot this is America I'm talking about, nevermind.
They built the Antioch extension because they were widening Highway 4 enough to put tracks in the middle (so it was technically part of a freeway infrastructure project). I can see your point about spending less money on freeway infrastructure, especially in the Bay Area. Building more freeways means building more traffic congestion. Trains are the answer for easy commutes in California. Why do so many people in the Bay Area drive when there are so many trains to choose from and such bad traffic? People must love polluting.
No, this is CALIFORNIA. Totally different animal than other, better-run states in the U.S. Having lived in several other states I've seen how transit CAN work when it's not tangled in bureaucratic red tape, and chained to labor interests and crooked politicians.
Ride light rail from SLC Airport to downtown in 15 mins for $2.00 vs. BART for $9.65 - any way you cut it, BART is less efficient, way overpriced, poorly managed, dirtier, and louder than most other train/subway systems. And it'll stay this way because we keep voting the same. #RegimeChange
If BART has pursued standard technology rather than a unique one BART could've had more rail in more areas at less cost. Why is nobody else anywhere in the world build a rail system based on BART technology?
The gauge BART uses is used throughout India and Nepal. Why they chose this gauge for BART only in the US is beyond me. I think maybe they wanted to show the US that they have lots of money and can build a 110 mile subway system with the most expensive gauge. But this... Antioch has been paying BART taxes since BART began and now that BART finally services their town, they are forced to get a two-seat ride to San Francisco. What a shame.
Erik Kruse how is Bart overpriced, some lines on Bart are 50 miles long compared to the much shorter lines in other cities. It they charged low fares they would need a higher taxpayer operating subsidy. Before the Virus the fare paid for 70% of expenses, the highest percentage of any US rail system. This shows how well managed they are. Anyways the cleanliness argument is illogical, every other subway system in this country is unclean.
good vid. Thank you for sharing. 💖
At least BART isn't wussing out and building diesel light rail to San Jose... or is that because diesels can't use a tunnel?
Supernova Strike they should Do z bart station to Vallejo!!!!
Yep! Maybe they can build extensions to Marin County, other parts of San Francisco and down to Palo Alto, as the original system called for. The only reason that didn't happen is because San Mateo County backed out of the BART District, and Marin County had to back out because taxes got too out of control in the wake of San Mateo County leaving. If we can convince San Mateo County officials to join the BART District, maybe we can build an extension to the original system plans!
Because BART isn't paying for it. VTA does, and is cutting a lot of bus service to pay for it.
Well, who gives a shit about buses? They're polluting and slow. Just cuz they're big doesn't give them a free pass through the Bay Area's standstill traffic.
Supernova Strike Considering I was the only passenger the last time I was on a VTA bus. I don’t see that much of a problem? (The bus was in Palo Alto)
Mr Rogers flicked the switch.
I’m just glad I don’t have to sit in HWY 4 traffic!
We pat ourselves on the back for accomplishing things 30 years later than we should have at astronomical costs due to garbage bureaucracy and unsustainable business models which overpay employees and have ridiculous pensions and benefits programs. Outside the California bubble, other cities do transit better - and for cheaper! But keep voting for the same crusty politicians so we can keep patting ourselves on the back.
Waste. I waited about a extra 5 mins during transfering. Could have been in Antioch a bit earlier by staying on the same traim