BART's Antioch extension to open next month

Bay Area Rapid Transit's (BART) 10-mile extension to Antioch, California, will begin passenger service on May 26.

The extension will feature diesel multiple units (DMU) that will operate on standard gauge track instead of BART's wider gauge rails. The new line will run in the median of State Route 4 and connect to the agency's station in Pittsburg, California.

The project cost $525 million, which is about half the estimated cost of extending BART's traditional electric-powered line, agency officials said in a press release.

"This is a new dawn for transit in this part of the Bay Area," said Joel Keller, who serves on BART's board. "Making this visionary project a reality took the long-term dedication of East County residents, and the commitment of many local, regional, state, and federal leaders."

Also known as "eBART," the extension is expected to serve 2,400 riders in each direction per hour during rush hours. The project includes two new stations: an additional stop in Pittsburg and another in Antioch.

In summer 2016, BART first unveiled models of the diesel trains to be used on the Antioch extension. When the trackage opens next month, it'll be the first time BART uses DMU trains, agency officials said.