Transit Briefs: BART, FTA
Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
At BART’s Warm Springs/South Freemont Station, riders can now use a new 250-foot-long steel truss bridge to reach the Freemont Innovation District.
California’s Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) has opened a $41 million pedestrian bridge at the Warm Springs/South Fremont Station. Also, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is seeking nominations for the Transit Advisory Committee for Safety (TRACS).
At BART’s Warm Springs/South Freemont Station, riders now have direct access to the Freemont Innovation District. A 250-foot-long steel truss bridge has been built, crossing five sets of Union Pacific tracks.
The city of Fremont managed construction of the project, which also included security cameras; a new plaza at the bridge’s base for community events; and a cable-stayed section connected to a white 110-foot pointed pylon. It was funded by a $30 million grant from the Alameda County Transportation Commission plus BART support, primarily through voter-approved Measure RR.
BART will maintain and operate the structure.
FTA reported that it is re-establishing TRACS, whose members will “provide information, advice and recommendations on matters relating to the safety of U.S. public transportation systems as determined by the Secretary of Transportation and the FTA Administrator.” Up to 25 individuals may serve for a two-year term.
Applicants should be knowledgeable of trends and issues related to rail and/or bus transit safety, according to FTA. They will be evaluated and selected based on their rail and/or bus transit industry experience as well as leadership and organizational skills, region of the country represented, and the overall balance of industry representation. Applications must be submitted by March 9, 2022.
“The FTA is seeking some of the top experts in the transit industry to help keep millions of daily rail transit riders safe,” FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez said. “Once selected, these professionals will help inform our safety agenda for transit systems across the nation.”
