Airport-BART Connection Materializing Amid Cost Disputes

Nearly 10 years in the works, a connector between Oakland International Airport and the BART transit system is taking shape.

1 minute read

January 8, 2012, 3:00 PM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"Within two years, cable-drawn, three-car trains will transport passengers from the Coliseum BART station to Oakland International Airport along an elevated track that proponents of the project say will be faster and more reliable than the current AirBART bus system.

For them, the columns signify an important victory in a long and hard-fought battle over a new transportation connection that, they say, will not only ensure continued growth at Oakland's airport but also provide much needed construction jobs for Bay Area workers.

Once completed, the almost $500 million connector will have created at least 2,500 jobs, proponents predict, and offer the Bay Area a signature extension to a growing transportation network much like the new eastern span of the Bay Bridge or the international terminal at San Francisco's airport."

But opponents still argue the project is a waste that will put taxpayers even deeper in debt.

Thanks to Nate Berg

Tuesday, January 3, 2012 in The Contra Costa Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Close-up of white panel at top of school bus with "100% electric" black text.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation

California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

April 30 - California Air Resources Board

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

April 30 - Streetsblog USA

"No Thru Traffic - Open Streets Restaurants" sign in New York City during Covid-19 pandemic.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street

How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.

April 30 - Next City