Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) announced it has selected Arup/WSP Joint Venture (JV) to provide planning and engineering services for its Link21 program, according to the company’s press release.

Link21 aims to make the passenger rail network in Northern California’s 21- county megaregion both faster and more integrated.

The multi-project initiative led by BART and the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA).

“We applaud BART and Capitol Corridor’s leadership and vision to advance this needed program to better connect the region in a more sustainable and equitable way,” said John Fisher, WSP VP and a member of the Arup/WSP JV Board. “We are excited for the opportunity to bring the best of our team, including our small and minority business partners, to help deliver better rail connections for communities across Northern California.”

Arup/WSP JV will provide planning and engineering services for Link21’s New Transbay Rail Crossing. It will connect Oakland and San Francisco through a new rail service across the San Francisco Bay.

The New Transbay Rail Crossing will help address the high levels of congestion in the existing Transbay corridor. It will also provide a direct connection for regional rail riders.

“We are proud to partner with BART to help advance their groundbreaking Link21 program,” said Aidan Hughes, Arup/WSP JV project manager. “From rail engineering and planning to equity analysis and resilience, our broad range of expertise will enable us to deliver this key program that will significantly and positively impact communities across the Northern California Megaregion.”

Link21 plans to expand access to jobs and housing, while improving air quality and increasing capacity.

“We look forward to having the expertise provided by Arup/WSP JV help us on such a transformational program,” said Sadie Graham, Link21 program manager.