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Posted on October 19, 2007

Transit Station Sheds Light on BART's Future

RICHMOND, Calif. (KCBS) -- The opening of a new transit station in Richmond is a telling sign of BART's future. 132 homes make up the Richmond Transit Village, which is next to a rail and bus transportation hub.

"I love it," enthused Barry Lau. "We love it," echoed neighbor Carolyn Sherry. "I think that everyone moved here wanting to see Richmond redevelop and it's just been really positive."

Local leaders believe it fits into Richmond's development plans. "Livable walking, walkable community is happening in Richmond," said mayor Gayle McLaughlin.

Now, the transit system is looking to build additional transit villages near other stations. "We see many more of these in the future," explained BART Board president Lynette Sweet. "Transit villages actually do a lot for us in that it brings our riders to our doorstep." If there's land, Sweet says the agency wants to use it to its advantage. For instance, the Dublin Transit Center under construction will feature as many as 1,800 new homes.

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