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Coping with the worst revenue shortfall in its history, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) recently released its draft fiscal-year 2003 Short Range Transit Plan and Capital Improvement Program (SRTP/CIP), designed to help the agency lay a more prosperous foundation for the future. The plan outlines BART’s operating and capital needs, priorities and funding strategies through FY 2012.



Already dealing with a fare increase implemented in January, BART passengers can expect to see parking charges and budget cuts later this year. The changes will enable the agency to make up the shortfall, according to a prepared statement.



Longer term, BART plans to focus on renovating and replacing its infrastructure to maintain current service levels. BART expects ridership to grow from 279,600 passengers in 2003 to 388,400 in 2012. The agency also plans to invest in capacity-enhancing projects to address that ridership growth.



Key projects featured in the plans include the BART-SFO Extension, which would extend the system to San Francisco International Airport; the A & B Car Comprehensive Renovation, through which BART would rehabilitate two-thirds of its fleet; and the Automatic Fare Collection Equipment Modernization/Translink Implementation project, through which the agency would replace and refurbish ticket vending machines and faregates throughout the system.



BART plans to conduct a public meeting June 12 to obtain comments on the SRTP/CIP.