Another delay in getting BART to San Jose is ‘beyond ridiculous’

Q

I’ll bet Elon Musk will get a human to Mars before we see BART transport one to San Jose.

— Rajiv Bhateja, San Jose

A

The cynics are out after VTA and BART said there is still no opening date for the Fremont to Berryessa extension.

Q

This is beyond ridiculous. Long ago, in a younger, more foolish time, I actually voted for taxes for transportation projects like the bullet train to never-never land. I seriously question if we’ll ever see BART to San Jose in my lifetime (and I expect to live quite a bit longer), and I am pretty positive there will never be highspeed rail completed in the state. Very disappointing. — Alan Arndt, Sunnyvale

A

Alan is only 57. I understand your frustration about BART. Promises made for numerous transportation-related taxes passed by Bay Area voters in the last few decades have been kept: building Highway 85, widening Highway 101 and Highway 237, opening a fourth bore through the Caldecott Tunnel, widening Interstate 880 from Oakland to San Jose, Interstate 580 through the Tri-Valley and fixing Devil’s Slide on Highway 1.

Q

The delays for getting BART running to San Jose are terrible. This is a slap in the face to taxpayers. No one seems concerned about the delays, except for the people that would be riding. Who is accountable for this situation?

— John Bradley

A

This delay was caused by shoddy electrical work. VTA, BART and the contractors share the blame.

Q

Great to see the results from the Wildfire Resilience Project on Highway 17. I commute to Sunnyvale taking San Jose and Summit Road to 17. Both roads are overgrown with large branches and bushes that would make both roads impassable during a wildfire. Can you do your magic and inquire about Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties removing overgrown and dead trees and brush along both roads?

— Mark Johnson, Soquel

A

Look for trimming on both roads this spring. This week Caltrans will close one lane on southbound 17 between Idylwild and Redwood Estates from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to continue clearing brush and debris.

Q

I drive Highway 1 daily to work. The bicyclists are a nightmare. They don’t stay on the side of the road, they try to pass each other, cars swerve to avoid them, and some bicyclists are exhausted and wobble out. There are areas of Highway 1 and Highway 92 with blind curves and no wiggle room.

— Suzanne De Selover-Sallie

A

Highway 1 and 92 are very popular bicycling routes, especially on weekends. Bikers and drivers: Proceed safely, share the road, and keep your cool.

Q

When I see lots of bikes on the road, I think, “Wow, cool! Glad I got to see that! So many people exercising and visiting a place without polluting. How nice!”

— Karen Gauss

A

Cool indeed.