Measure RR Safe Routes to BART to provide critical funds for improved station access
BART is moving forward with a first-of-its-kind community partnership initiative that will provide millions of dollars in Measure RR funding for projects that will make it easier for riders to safely get to BART stations. The Safe Routes to BART Program has identified four projects to receive a combined total of $3.5 million. These projects are located throughout the District and are focused on improving bike and pedestrian connections to BART. This is the first time BART has used a grant program to support access improvement partnerships with local governments.
Safe Routes to BART received 10 applications for the first round of funding. The goal is to identify projects that can offer a minimum funding match of 30%, have evidence of governing body support, and have a minimum of 35% design completion. Equity is a critical factor in the decision process. Applicants had to show how projects would improve active access for members of disadvantaged communities.
“It’s critical that we encourage people in the Bay Area to shift to more sustainable modes of transportation,” said BART General Manager Bob Powers. “The Safe Routes to BART Program provides an opportunity for us to partner with local jurisdictions to improve bike and pedestrian networks that connect with our stations. This is a way for us to encourage real change and improve the environment in the communities we serve.”
The Projects
- Powell Street Station – San Francisco: Fifth Street Improvement Project. This project is located on the city’s high-injury network and its improvements support San Francisco’s Vision Zero goal of eliminating all traffic deaths by 2024 by improving safety along the 5th Street corridor. Safe Routes to BART will provide $420,000 to support the vehicle-lane reductions, striping, signal timing changes, and a parking protected bikeway already underway with curb ramps, raised crosswalks, transit boarding islands and additional restriping and signage. The project has a total estimated cost of $1.88 million. More project info.
- Fremont Station – Walnut Ave./Liberty St. Protected Intersection. This project is located within a quarter mile of three facilities that assist disadvantaged individuals and families. Safe Routes to BART will provide $920,000 to support shortening crossing distances, removing right turn slip lanes, promote safer vehicle turning speeds, and upgrade lighting and bicycle detection. The project has a total estimated cost of $1.83 million. More project info.
- Pittsburg Center – BART Pedestrian/Bike Connectivity Project. This project will fully separate pedestrians and cyclists from vehicle traffic. Safe Routes to BART will provide $700,000 to help implement four new bike facilities as well as to enhance lighting and provide high visibility crosswalks. The project has a total estimated cost of $5.5 million.
- Dublin/Pleasanton – Iron Horse Trail Bridge. The trail directly connects to the Dublin/Pleasanton and Pleasant Hill BART stations. Safe Routes to BART will provide $1.5 million to support a grade-separated crossing, which will promote safer and quicker access to the Dublin/Pleasanton station. It will also improve a major gap in the 30-mile multiuse trail. The project has a total estimated cost of $11.11 million. More project info.
Money for the Safe Routes to BART Program comes from Measure RR, which was approved by District voters in 2016. Measure RR provides $3.5 billion for rebuilding critical infrastructure at BART. Safe Routes to BART leverages a total of $25 million in RR dollars to get the most out of that money.
The BART Board in 2016 adopted a station access policy to guide access improvements. That policy sets a goal of increasing active access to BART stations from 44% to 52% by 2025.