Tri Valey Herald Saturday, March 24, 2001 2:43 AM MST
Public input on transit sought
Topics include fourth daily ACE train in Valley
By Ezra Danciu
STAFF WRITER
PLEASANTON -- State and local officials gathered this week to collect
public comments and drum up support for various transportation
projects in the Valley.
"We're looking to relieve traffic congestion in the area, and we need
citizen input and support," said state Sen. Tom Torlakson, who hosted
the Thursday night event at the Pleasanton Senior Center. "This is
really going to be a team effort."
Topics included transit and safety enhancements planned for Vasco
Road, construction of car pool lanes on Interstate 580 between
Livermore and Pleasanton, and implementing a fourth daily train on the
Altamont Commuter Express.
Alameda County Supervisor Scott Haggerty, who is on the ACE board,
said he is happy with the project so far, but that the train has
become too popular for its capacity. "It's too successful -- everyone
rides it," he said.
In addition to overcrowding on the trains, he cited problems such as
inadequate parking at the stations and the need for maintenance
facilities and track improvements.
"On March 5, we started the third ACE trian. But we need more money,"
Haggerty said. "We're still behind the 8-ball."
Representatives from the Alameda County Congestion Management Agency
discussed some alternatives for a planned car pool lane on I-580
between Greenville and Santa Rita roads.
The most costly proposal calls for a widening of the freeway to allow
for a future BART extension to Livermore.
State Sen. Liz Figueroa said statewide thinking is needed to make
transportation between regions run smoothly. "Believe it or not, we
don't have all the answers in Sacramento," she said. "Transportation
has been the No. 1 issue for many years and it will be for many more."
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