This week, BART’s South Bay Extension project received a major financial boost.
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to allocate $375 million to the Valley Transportation Authority’s Phase 2 project. The project includes five miles of underground tunnels and four additional stations, extending the system to downtown San Jose and Santa Clara.
According to VTA, the allocation is regional funding provided by the state’s Transportation and Intercity Rail Capital Program.
VTA General Manager and CEO Carolyn Gonot said in a statement that the funding is “a significant addition to our pursuit of the final piece of federal funding needed to bring BART to Silicon Valley.” It becomes a driving force.”
This week’s allocation represents the last remaining portion of local, regional and state contributions to the $12.2 billion project. VTA is asking the federal government for the remaining funding, about $6 billion, which is expected to be disbursed by the end of 2024.
“Connecting the Bay with local rail is one of the most strategic investments we can make for future generations,” San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan said in a statement. “This is fundamental to maintaining economic competitiveness and achieving ambitious climate goals. Now is the time to stop talking and dig the tunnel.”
The federal government authorized VTA to proceed with the project’s design. Pre-construction activities are expected to begin in early 2024, with major construction expected to begin in 2025, VTA said.
For more information on the Phase II extension, please visit: VTA website.
