Congressman Mike Honda Proposes Extending BART to “Just Outside DC” Apr 1, 2014
Press Release
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Mike Honda (D-Silicon Valley) unveiled a bold new plan to expand the Bay Area Rapid Transit System, which serves the San Francisco area, to include station stops in the DC beltway.
When completed, the new “Gold Line,” would serve over 10 million people in the combined San Francisco and Washington, DC metropolitan statistical areas.
“America’s approach to transportation has had its priorities backwards for years,” said Honda. “We need bold solutions that increase connectivity, helping grow our economy. If you live in California, why shouldn’t you enjoy direct access to the corridors of power in our nation’s capital?”
A long-time advocate for public transportation that serves his South Bay area constituency, Congressman Honda has secured funding for a variety of projects, including the BART extension to Berryessa. The Gold Line would run from the new Berryessa station to the Capital South station on the Metro. The 2,831 mile extension, which would take 38 years to build at a cost of just over $396 billion, is expected to create 58,000 permanent jobs, and 346,000 construction jobs over the course of the project.
“While the price tag may seem a little high,” Congressman Honda said, “it would only amount to a little over half of our defense spending in one year alone. I came to Congress to build bridges, not bombs. And that’s exactly what I intend to do.”
BART and DC Metro officials say that a ride from downtown San Francisco to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum would take approximately 41 hours, and have a fare of $347.28. Commuters will be able to pay with their DC Metro or BART smartcards, or in exact change (coins only).
All official press releases from Former Rep. Mike Honda (D-CA)
