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    1. Rail
    2. Infrastructure

    First phase of BART Silicon Valley Extension begins pre-revenue service

    Nov. 1, 2019
    The milestone is one of the last needed before revenue service, scheduled before the end of 2019, can begin.
    Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority
    Bart Train At Berryessa Station Credit Scvta

    The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Silicon Valley Extension is moving closer to reaching its goal of opening by the end of the year with pre-revenue operations commencing Oct. 28 on the 10-mile first phase of the extension.  

    Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), which was responsible for the construction of the BART Silicon Valley Berryessa Extension and transferred control of Phase 1 to BART in June, says the start of pre-revenue operations marks one of the final steps required before passenger service can begin.

    “The first step of pre-revenue operations is training and system familiarization of the trackwork, stations and facilities for all personnel, including operators, systems and maintenance staff. Then comes simulated service, where the rail system is operated exactly as it would be when passenger service begins, but without passengers. This process allows for verifying schedules and the timing of trains. It helps ensure service starts off as safely and efficiently as possible,” wrote Santa Clara VTA in a blog post. “The final step before trains can carry passengers will be VTA issuing a report verifying safety certification of the system along with BART’s notice of intent to operate the service to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), before receiving approval from the state regulatory agency.”

    Phase 1 of the project will extend service from Alameda County into Santa Clara County, with stops at Milpitas and Berryessa/North San Jose. Phase 2 will extend service from the Berryessa Transit Center to stations at Alum Rock/28TH Street, downtown San Jose and Diridon Station, with the service ending in Santa Clara.

    Phase 2 of the project was the first project selected to participate in the Federal Transit Administration’s new pilot program designed to fast track major transportation infrastructure projects. As a result of its selection, Phase 2 of the project has been allocated $125 million in federal funds that are contingent on Santa Clara VTA meeting all program requirements needed to proceed to a construction grant agreement.

    About the Author

    Mischa Wanek-Libman | Editor in Chief

    Mischa Wanek-Libman serves as editor in chief of Mass Transit magazine. She is responsible for developing and maintaining the magazine’s editorial direction and is based in the western suburbs of Chicago.

    Wanek-Libman has spent more than 20 years covering transportation issues including construction projects and engineering challenges for various commuter railroads and transit agencies. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content. 

    She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and serves as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.  

    She is a graduate of Drake University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a major in magazine journalism and a minor in business management.

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