☆ Tanaka on BART debate: Fix procurement failures while pursuing region's transportation vision

Image by Magali Gauthier

There's increasing disagreement among area pols re: the controversial (and costly) BART extension to SJ and Santa Clara. Palo Alto CM (and congressional candidate) Greg Tanaka, however, suggests that effective public transit needn't be a financial mess—and that strong oversight and businesslike procurement reform can deliver 21st Century transit solutions at reasonable costs. An Opp Now exclusive.

In addressing Silicon Valley's transportation future, particularly the BART extension to Santa Clara, we must blend caution with vision. My dedication to continuing the BART project is unwavering, but it's clear that substantial reforms in government procurement are necessary. These changes are crucial to transform the BART extension from a mere cost to a valuable investment in our community.

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Our procurement approach must evolve. Drawing from global best practices and my work in Palo Alto, I advocate for a more efficient, transparent, and accountable process, including public–private partnerships and innovative financing to reduce risks and costs, as evidenced by the Tesla/Palo Alto City partnership. These reforms are not just about saving money; they're about ensuring wise investments in our district.

Parallel to this, my Congressional campaign's vision to underground Caltrain from Santa Clara to San Francisco represents more than a transit solution; it's a commitment to reshaping our district. This project promises to ease commutes; decrease congestion; and, crucially, transform the land for public spaces, housing, and vibrant commercial areas, enhancing residents' lives.

In short, we shouldn't abandon critical infrastructure projects like the BART extension due to procurement issues. Instead, we must refine our approach, as demonstrated in Palo Alto, to turn these initiatives from costs into long-term investments, paving the way for a thriving, sustainable Silicon Valley.

For more on Tanaka's campaign, click here.

Related:

• BART's “unacceptable” service quality unlikely to be revived by dollars alone

• Downtown SJ BART extension to over-expend/underperform, says expert

• Massive Caltrain overspending expected; BART eager to put bond on upcoming ballots

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