Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

Completed the first year of work on the Silicon Valley Berryessa Extension Project.

Would add 1.6 miles of track and be implemented in two phases based on funding availability.

The Silicon Valley Berryessa Extension Project, expected to break ground in April, will extend BART by 10 miles and involve the construction of two new stations, in Milpitas and Berryessa, and the procurement of 40 new passenger railcars.

Using a Power Purchase Agreement to finance the systems, it is anticipated that VTA will save $2.7 million in electricity costs over the next 20 years.

Will construct a 10-mile extension of the BART system to San Jose, Calif. The extension includes two stations, six at-grade crossings and two above-grade crossings.

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority’s “S’Cool” pass provides unlimited rides on bus and light rail to youths ages 17 and younger for a steeply discounted price. The agency also offers teachers a free Class Pass which gives them the opportunity to take students on field trips using VTA buses and light rail.

Light rail vehicles are equipped with a mobile router delivering wireless Internet connectivity over the 4G network, supporting significantly higher speeds. The system also is capable of delivering advertising, conducting passenger surveys and collecting usage statistics.

The agency obtained a $53.4M ARRA grant and $5.3 million in California Proposition 1B funding to acquire the Gillig-manufactured hybrid buses. The vehicles enable VTA to replace older buses that have exceeded their useful life span.

With Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority’s debut of the VTA Commuter Express, customers will enjoy faster and more frequent light rail service with six newly added, peak-hour commute trips throughout San Jose.

Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association notes the excellence of VTA’s fiscal year 2010-2011 budget as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide and a communications device.