Silicon Valley BART Extension Secures $5.1 Billion in Federal Funding Amid $2 Billion Per Mile Costs

Aug 2, 2024, 07:02 PM

The long-awaited BART extension project to Silicon Valley is set to receive $5.1 billion in federal funding. This funding will help complete the historic transit project, which aims to connect the rail network around the San Francisco Bay Area for the first time. The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) announced the funding, highlighting its importance in linking California’s Silicon Valley to parts of the Bay Area. Despite the significant financial boost, the project has faced criticism due to its high costs, with estimates suggesting it could cost $2 billion per mile due to an unpopular design change. Additionally, the project has been met with concerns over low ridership projections and slow progress in addressing land use issues in San Jose.