BART ramps up S.J. line testing
Agency to run up to 20 trains a day ahead of scheduled November launch
Don’t blink in disbelief. Testing of BART trains on the often-delayed extension from Fremont to the Berryessa area of San Jose begins in earnest next week, although the opening of the $2.3 billion, 10-mile line has been pushed back to Nov. 1.
Up to 20 trains a day could be running. Some will be just three car trains; others could have 10 cars.
The reaction of wanna-be BART passengers: Finally.
“I have been waiting for a long while for BART to come to San Jose,” said Pete Nyberg, 50, who commutes from the South Bay to San Francisco, catches BART in Fremont or Millbrae and is frustrated by the length of time to get the new line up and running. “What exactly takes so long to test?”
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority had hoped to open the Berryessa link last year, but the agency found a contractor had installed improper communications equipment and used parts that needed to be replaced.
“Once we finish our testing, we will be able to more precisely predict the timing of the other activities and opening day,” said VTA spokeswoman Bernice Alaniz.
Test trains will run depending
on the needs of the testing program, thus there is no set schedule and they can run at varying times.
VTA is conducting the current testing and then will hand over to BART all computers and equipment to be integrated into BART’s control center in Oakland for further testing. BART will take control later this year, simulating actual service plans with their tests.
Problems involved routers and other equipment related to communications systems that control things like passenger information signs, next-train signals, public address systems, closed-circuit television, radio, fire alarms and secure door access badges.
The installed parts were either used or otherwise out of compliance with the contract specifications for manufacturer warranties. Replacement cost around $1.25 million.
The tracks from Fremont to Berryessa are completed. The two stations are essentially ready with just some finishing touches remaining and solar panels are being added to the Milpitas parking structure.
Ridership for the Berryessa extension is estimated to start at 23,000 a day and to double after 15 years.
A second phase will extend BART six miles from Berryessa into downtown San Jose and Santa Clara and is projected to be completed in 2026.
Crews are now boring into the ground in parking spaces and sidewalks on Santa Clara Street. While at least one lane of traffic will be open during the work, residents and workers in the area can expect some delays. The drilling is expected to be about the same noise level as a lawnmower.
Major construction isn’t expected downtown until next year.