Bay Area Mega Region (2045) WIP

Major WIP Completed so far: BART SMART ACE (Locally) Caltrain Amtrak (Locally) Oakland Metro VTA (Metro and LRT) Monterey Area Express (MAX) BART updates Explained: System will be completely grade separated with viaducts to be constructed in the current at grade sections in C.c. and Al. County. The new system will be quad or triple tracked with station sidings along every multi line section. This will allow sections of lines to be regional “express” lanes allowing for faster long distance transit functioning as a hybrid metro/S-Bahn. A Second Transbay Tube + Geary Subway gives SF a proper multi line Metro spine. An upgraded OAK monorail to support future Colosseum “Airport City” and secure “techi” fundings. eBART will be expanded into an auxillary light suburban/regional transit similar to SMART. It will be upgraded with overhead catenary’s too. An entirely new branch (Teal or Cyan) should be built from the eBART terminus, branching from Walnut Creek south along 680 and through Niles, linking up with the Green and Orange at Irvington, in order to create a new trunk and hub in San Jose to support its future growth and relieve Contra Costa 680 congestion. Amtrak: Tracks will be as de-interlined from freight as possible. Interstate trains will act as long distance/sleeper trains to complement future HSR connections. Capital Corridor and San Joaquins will become fully dedicated Intercity services. ACE: ACE should merge with Amtrak California to help interline service with San Joaquins. The system should be at least double tracked along the whole way. Niles canyon section may require to use the old Niles railway for second track. This allows for bi directional service across the whole schedule and a dedicated regional/intercity service. VTA: The current light rail system will be expanded and upgraded into a spoke and wheel style light metro system with longer cars and as much grade separation as possible by viaducts. Some downtown routes may still be street running, some will be running along side the BART subway. A subsequent light rail/streetcar system will be built complementing the Light Metro with loops and hubs as well as linking other Metro lines. MAX: Hypothetical SMART like Commuter Light Rail system that can interline with both Amtrak heavy rail and freight as well as the VTA Metro Green train to Diridon.