The BART Extension was selected as the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) following completion of the Major Investment Study/Alternatives Analysis (MIS/AA) in November 2001. The study evaluated 11 alternatives representing various modes of travel including express bus, bus rapid transit, commuter rail, diesel and electric light rail, and BART.
The LPA was chosen after an extensive review process, including technical analysis, 12 public meetings, and more than 15 Community Working Group meetings.
When compared with the other alternatives, the BART Alternative offered:
the fastest travel times to passenger destinations
the highest ridership projections
the greatest congestion relief
the best access to jobs, education, medical, retail and entertainment centers throughout the Bay Area
regional connectivity with no transfers to the BART system
opportunities for transit-oriented development in conjunction with local land use planning efforts.