pages: AlamedaReuseandRedevelopmentAuthority/2005-03-02.pdf, 2
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| AlamedaReuseandRedevelopmentAuthority | 2005-03-02 | 2 | stated the community expressed a desire to receive information in smaller quantities rather than two much, too fast. Mr. Thomas discussed estuary crossing and long term planning, not only for Alameda Point but for the entire City of Alameda and that we will be presenting to the public the various transportation possibilities: light rail connections to the Fruitvale BART along the regional outline alignment to the aerial tram from the west end to the west Oakland BART and a number of different options. Chair Johnson mentioned the interagency liaison committee with AC Transit and talked about transportation solutions. She would like to look at a system that uses the same tracks that are currently in place in Alameda. She stated that this would dramatically cut down the costs of that kind of transportation solution. Andrew Thomas agreed and explained the difference between heavy gauge and light gauge rail. The new street car systems are typically on light gauge, yet the old belt line was a heavy gauge system. The issues with the solution of using the existing rails are on the Oakland side and the ability to cross the Union Pacific lines at grade. The PUC rarely grants those kinds of approvals. Chair Johnson pointed out that no matter what gauge rail system was used, that issue would have to be dealt with. She believed the rail system alternative that should be looked at should be focused on using the existing infrastructure in place and we should not spend a lot of money and time looking at rail systems that don't fit our current infrastructure. Chair Johnson asked if there were any costs estimates using the current rail and gauge. Andrew Thomas stated that not all costs estimates were available but did have good costs estimates for what it would take to put in a new system. Chair Johnson would like a cost estimate using existing rails and Andrew Thomas explained the issues relating to costs savings for existing rail system and creating cars that are designed for light gauge rail. Chair Johnson mentioned that the San Francisco Muni system is using old cars and they work very well. She also suggested that a transportation solution be in place even before base development starts, and would like to find a solution for transportation throughout Alameda over to Fruitvale BART. Andrew Thomas agreed. He stated that they were meeting with the City of Oakland and the Port of Oakland to get an idea on how these agencies feel about this, as well as with AC Transit and BART. He mentioned that if an at-grade crossing of the Union Pacific Lines was obtainable, then that option would look very good. If not, then we'd be looking at building an elevated system or diving under. Member Matarrese suggested comparing what Caltrans has done between San Francisco and San Jose. Chair Johnson suggested some sort of shuttle system get started now. Member Matarrese mentioned two items that were brought up at the AC Transit meeting. One was electric buses which would make our fuel be AP&T instead of some oil company, similar to golf carts. 2 | AlamedaReuseandRedevelopmentAuthority/2005-03-02.pdf |