15 - Laserfiche WebLink

Project Objectives The objectives of the proposed project, as stated in the DEIR are: • Provide a cost-effective intermodal link of the existing BART system to the inter-regional rail network and a series of Priority Development Areas (PDAs) identified by the City of Livermore, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, and the Association of Bay Area Governments. These PDAs include the Livermore Isabel Avenue BART Station PDA, the Livermore Downtown PDA, and the Livermore East Side PDA. • Support the regional goals of integrating transit and land use policies to create opportunities for transit-oriented development in PDAs in the Livermore area. • Provide an effective commute alternative to traffic congestion on 1-580. • Improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) and other emissions associated with automobile use. Conventional BART Extension Project The proposed project (Conventional BART Extension Project) provides the greatest number of benefits to the City of Pleasanton. A detailed comparison of the Conventional BART Extension Project and the Alternatives is provided as Attachment A. The Conventional BART Extension Project is well positioned to serve the growth in population, housing, and employment planned for Alameda County over the next 20-25 years (and beyond). San Joaquin County is expected to grow at a more accelerated rate (44%) due in part to more affordable housing; and the housing —jobs imbalance between the greater Bay Area and San Joaquin County will continue to contribute to issues such as growth in traffic congestion, GHG, poor air quality, and wasted energy. The Conventional BART Extension Project is best suited to address those issues and have the greatest environmental benefits as compared to the Alternatives. It is anticipated to increase BART Ridership by 11,900 riders per day (up to 13,400 riders per day with the Livermore TOD), and vehicle miles traveled will be reduced by approximately 244,000. Greenhouse gas emissions are reduced by 11,200 metric tons per year. The Conventional BART Extension Project has the least impact to adjacent land uses and provides more opportunity for localized use of BART for Pleasanton residents. All of the alternatives have lesser environmental benefits compared to the Conventional BART Extension. The DMU/EMU comes closest to meeting the Conventional BART Extension. Ridership is lower with the DMU/EMU, this results in a smaller parking facility constructed at Isabel Station and more vehicles continuing to drive and park at the Dublin/Pleasanton Station to directly access BART. This in turn increases vehicle miles traveled and greenhouse gas emissions. Page 3 of 4