Spring 1974 |
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Summer 1974 | Winter 1975 |
BART TourBART is the most automated rapid transit system in the world. A non-profit organization supported by 3 counties, BART is governed by a board appointed by county supervisors. It is subsidized by half of the counties 5-1/2% sales tax, .55 of $100 assessed property valuation, and federal grants, but this is still inadequate. Fare box receipts would never cover costs. BART is now before the State Assembly requesting support from oil leases, new car taxes, and gas and sales taxes. Trains run regularly M-F from 6 AM to 8 PM, with 22 hour-7 day service scheduled for the future. Power is purchased from PGE with need determined by computer for each block of track in use. Additional power can be transferred from other tracks for fire pumps, fans, passenger service. Dwell time is 20 sec. at stations and can be adjusted manually by cab operators. There is 10 minute headway between trains with average speed of 50 mph. 80 mph is tops - 25 mph if manually operated. The ride is smooth. Fares vary by destination points (from .30 to $1.25). Uniformed and plainclothes police patrol BART since the net-work runs through 14 separate police jurisdictions. Abuse and litter is minimal and ridership is high. Gas shortages that led to capacity loads of 70 to 80 thousand passenger trips per day have made BART successful. RAPID TRANSIT: IS rapid! comfortable, inexpensive, conveniently located and MUST BE SUPPORTED FINANCIALLY! If Oahu ever moves ahead with a fixed rapid rail system, the solid commitment from the community must be measured first. This will mean shifting priorities from other county services to fund a massive project, many years of property condemnation and settlements (over 10 years in S.F.), regressive measures for auto parking and usage to support a new concept of public transportation. Are we ready to give up the independence of private cars? Melvia Kawashima |
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