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Transferring trains between Amtrak and Bay Area Rapid Transit will become easier July 19 when officials from both railroads and Richmond, Calif., cut the ribbon at the joint BART-Amtrak cross platform at the city’s BART station.



This first phase of the intermodal station — part of the Richmond Transit Village Development of the "Iron Triangle" in the city’s historic, downtown area — includes an 800-foot platform with a 120-foot canopy for Amtrak patrons, seating areas, a clock/identification tower, and stairway and elevator access to the BART station below.



"While this is just the first step in developing a Transit Village, it is a major step in restoring Richmond," said BART Board President Willie Kennedy in a prepared statement.



Officials anticipate Richmond Transit Village will increase home ownership opportunities and enhance quality of life in the economically distressed Iron Triangle. Plans for later phases include 231 affordable housing units, 25,000 square feet of retail space, a 30,000-square-foot Performing and Cultural Arts Facility and a four-level, 680-space parking garage.



Richmond will be the only one of BART’s 39 stations with a direct connection to Amtrak.