Oakland Connector Project
The BART Oakland Connector Project was a transportation initiative in Oakland, California to construct an elevated automated people mover (APM) system that would connect the Oakland Coliseum BART station to the Oakland International Airport. The project sought to offer a convenient, reliable, and expeditious transit option for both travelers and residents in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area.
The project's total cost amounted to approximately $500 million, which was funded through a combination of federal, state, and local sources. Contributions came in the form of grants from the Federal Transit Administration, the State of California, and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.
Construction on the BART Oakland Connector Project commenced in 2014 and reached completion in 2019. The APM system was officially opened to the public in November of that year. Although the project faced controversy concerning its cost and potential impact on the surrounding community, proponents argued that it would yield substantial benefits, including reduced traffic congestion, improved air quality, and enhanced economic development in the area.
In summary, the BART Oakland Connector Project represents a noteworthy investment in the transportation infrastructure of the San Francisco Bay Area. By establishing a crucial transit link between the Oakland Coliseum BART station and the Oakland International Airport, the project is anticipated to serve as a vital component of the region's transit system for many years to come.