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Ms. Mayo said it was impossible to commit to a date until completion of the testing. They do expect that everything will go as expected and plan to open in mid-1997. There is a unique operation to be done when BART cuts into the Bay Fair section. There is no experience in tying a new system into an old control system. Ms. Mohr asked if the trains could be operated manually? There are major cities that have been running systems manually for 100 years, why can't BART operate manually until you get the computers to work? Ms. Mayo said BART is not set up to do that and the operators are not trained to do that. There would have to be extensive retraining. Getting that set up would take longer than getting the automated system operational. Mr. Tarver asked if there was a possibility that the dynamic testing will show that it is impossible to make the connection? Ms. Mayor did not believe so. It will be difficult, but they are confident it will work. Ms. Michelotti was concerned about the aesthetics of the east Pleasanton station and related complaints about the color of the brick. Could the color be toned down so it does not contrast so much with the roof?. Ms. Mohr indicated that three to four years ago the west station was estimated to cost $27 million, now it is $33 million. With no funding in sight, it does not appear likely it will be built in the next five years. If the additional 1800 parking spaces are needed at the east station and there is no west station, what are the options to solve the parking problems that usually come at the end of the line station. Ms. Mayo stated that only 500 more spaces are needed at the end of the line if the west station is not built by 2005. BART has been working with the cities and Alameda County and have proposed several alternatives. There have been verbal promises from the County to make more property available, however there is no written commitment yet. They are also considering parking structures, however there are negative impacts connected with that option. Ms. Mohr inquired about charging for parking, but had been told that since the land was purchased with federal funds, that charging for parking was not allowed. Mr. Delander indicated that in federally financed projects, funds raised from parking charges could only be used for maintenance of that facility. Ms. Mohr referred to property owned by BART near the Livermore airport and Greenville and asked if there were any plans for a BART park and ride lot? 09/24/96 -17-