(dates for previous relevant articles are noted at end of each item)
In October the East Bay Municipal Utility District completed the Southern Loop Pipeline Project, a key element in the District's Seismic Improvement Program to strengthen, upgrade and retrofit its treatment, distribution and storage facilities. (November/December 1998)
Caltrain's new rail cars, which will be used for its "Baby Bullet" express service, are being introduced to the system, although the new Baby Bullet engines have not yet arrived. Three sets of cars are already in service on a midday run, utilizing Caltrain diesel engines. The cars have a distinctive color scheme and special features such as lower floors and more doors. The new engines will arrive early in 2003, and express service is scheduled for mid-2004.
SamTrans has introduced new articulated buses for service on its heavily-used El Camino routes. The state-of-the-art vehicles feature Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking, computerized communications with dispatchers, cleaner fuel, quieter engines, video security cameras and automated announcements for each stop. The 55 new buses will be in service by the end of the year. Older SamTrans buses will also receive GPS equipment, a component of "intelligent transportation" systems. (Aug./Sept. 2001, "Techno-Traffic").
A fleet of almost 100 express buses began arriving in the Bay Area in September. The buses are low-emission and equipped with amenities such as reclining seats and video screens; they are intended for use on longer routes, especially those using the HOV lane network in the region. Funded by state Traffic Congestion Relief Funds and allocated by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, they will be distributed among area transit agencies over the next year, including AC Transit, Golden Gate Transit, SamTrans, and others. County Connection will use some on its successful BART Express route to Bishop Ranch Business Park in San Ramon. Others will go into service on a new route across the San Mateo Bridge to be operated by AC Transit. (May/June 2000)
The Smart Growth Alternative Vision, the product of the Smart Growth Strategy process, was presented at ABAG's Fall General Assembly in October. Policies related to the Alternative Vision have been approved by the Smart Growth Steering Committee and the ABAG Executive Board, and are recommended for adoption by the five regional agencies: ABAG, MTC, BAAQMD, RWQCB and BCDC. The policies will be the basis for projections used to guide regional decision-making by the agencies. (August/September 2002, April/May 2002, August/September 2001, August/September 2000)
The Capitol Corridor, operated by BART for the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority, has added a new roundtrip, bringing the service to 20 weekday trips between Auburn, Sacramento, the East Bay and San Jose. The popular rail service also offers 18 weekend trips. The newest roundtrip allows riders to reach Sacramento at 7:35 am on weekdays, and to return from Sacramento at 6:40 pm.
Monterey-Salinas Transit opened a connecting service, Caltrain Fast Track, which serves as an extension of Caltrain from the Gilroy station to Monterey and Salinas. Three mini-buses, one from Monterey and two from Salinas, now provide the service, but four large buses should be in place by January 2003. Currently, three round-trips per day are offered between Monterey and Gilroy, and five round-trips per day between Salinas and Gilroy. (March/April 1999)
Contractors are beginning installation of a safety railing on the Golden Gate Bridge which will run between the sidewalks and the roadway. The railing will be installed first on the west sidewalk. Most work on the heavily traveled east sidewalk will take place at night after it is closed to pedestrians. Work should be completed by May 2003. (May/June 1996)