BART to open $106M West Dublin/Pleasanton station

San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit will open the West Dublin/Pleasanton Station to fare paying passengers Saturday, February 26. The grand opening of BART's 44th station will add to the system 1,200 new parking spots, more racks for bicyclists and eventually a transit village where people who prefer not to own a vehicle will be able to live, work, commute, shop and play all within walking distance of BART. "This new station represents smart growth in two ways," BART Board President Bob Franklin said. "It represents smart growth by adding BART's first infill station instead of expanding outwards and by increasing mixed-use development around the station to give people additional reasons to take public transportation." Franklin was among the hundreds on hand February 22 for a ceremonial ribbon cutting to open the station, which BART expects to serve an average of 4,300 riders each weekday this year and to see ridership grow over time. With amenities such as Reserved Parking permits available for the two garages and connections to Livermore Amador Valley Transportation Authority buses, the station provides a new and convenient option for choosing public transportation. The result is expected to be reduced traffic congestion and better access to downtown Dublin and to Pleasanton's Stoneridge area. "I see this station as a key new hub in Northern California's transportation network," BART Board Vice President John McPartland said. "It took years of hard work and perseverance to bring us to where we are today." The station gives Bay Area residents an opportunity to save energy and protect the environment. With one round trip on BART preventing 22.6 pounds of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere, the station's 4,300 average daily riders will combine to prevent 97,180 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions each day. The $106 million project was made possible by public-private partnerships between BART and firms such as Jones Lang LaSalle. For example, Windstar Communities and Cornerstone Real Estate Advisors funded more than $21 million. Alameda County Surplus, the Cities of Dublin and Pleasanton and the Tri-Valley Transportation Commission also rallied together to contribute $8 million toward this station.