BART unveils report highlighting need to update infrastructure

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) has released a report underscoring the need to replace the agency's aging infrastructure.

Titled "BART's Role in the Region," the report reviews the agency's major challenges and considers the consequences of failing to address those problems, BART officials said in a press release. The report also presents a proposed investment program to fund major repairs.

"Without action to address BART’s aging infrastructure and crowded conditions, BART’s ability to perform it’s important role in the region will suffer: delays will increase, crowding will grow more acute, and the risk of unsafe conditions will rise," agency officials said in the report. "These consequences would affect not only [our] riders, but the region as a whole."

In June, BART's board approved a $3.5 billion general obligation bond measure to fund the agency's repair plan, which include replacing and repairing 90 miles of deteriorating tracks and other infrastructure. San Francisco Bay Area residents will vote on the measure in the upcoming November ballot.

To learn about other transit-related ballot initiatives voters across the country will consider in November, read this article from Progressive Railroading's October issue.