New San Francisco Light Rail Line Opens

"The Third Street line, discussed for more than two decades, has been under construction since May 2002. The $667 million project was supposed to begin service in winter 2005, but construction delays pushed the beginning of full service back to this spring and the cost soared to $120 million over budget."

"Trains will run on a dedicated lane that doesn't compete with cars and trucks -- except for a half-mile stretch through the Bayview business district -- and will stop at 18 new stations along Third Street." The trip from Visitacion Valley in Brisbane, just across the city's southern border in San Mateo County, to China Basin, by the Caltrain terminal and AT&T ballpark, is anticipated to take 31 minutes, about 10 minutes faster than bus service. The line crosses two drawbridges and climbs over Highway 101.

"In cities around the nation, new light-rail lines are increasingly being used to boost the fortunes of stagnant neighborhoods, drawing new housing, shops and restaurants. San Francisco officials and residents of the Bayview and Visitacion Valley hope the T-Third will deliver some of the economic growth that other neighborhoods have enjoyed."

"Bayview and Visitacion Valley residents, many of whom ride the busy 15-Third buses regularly, were mostly enthusiastic about the arrival of light-rail. Some complained that it will serve fewer destinations than the bus -- such as City College of San Francisco and Fisherman's Wharf -- and require transfers."