SamTrans is again considering a project to improve travel on the Dumbarton Corridor using the current rail right of way. The current project is considering paving over the train tracks to create a busway.
The new proposal is instead of an earlier proposal to restore the rail connection across the bridge, which was estimated to cost at least $3 Billion; the busway proposal is expected to be lower in cost.
However, their proposal does not yet consider the full opportunities to improve rider experience using the corridor, including the connection across the Bay to Union City BART, and the potential to run service after the early evening and over the weekend when there is no service. These are suggestions we have heard from people who use the current bus service at several community meetings.
Planning for transit improvements in the Bay Area ought to consistently include rider needs for service, including end to end travel. This requires consistently considering funding for service needs alongside capital needs, and considering the travel experience from start to finish.
SamTrans plans to bring forward alternatives in the fall, and community members will have opportunities to comment.
This is a project that SamTrans is considering for the “return to source” funds from the Connect Bay Area ballot measure, so it is especially helpful to pay attention.
Awesome idea to create a paved busway.
Corresponding projects that I am aware of on the East Bay side of the bridge:
AC Transit TSP (seemingly complete) https://dumbartonexpress.com/corridor-improvement/
Caltrans D4 Decoto Rd I-880 Interchange expansion (to add bus lanes and bike facilities to Decoto where it crosses 880), https://ceqanet.lci.ca.gov/2025070506 (CEQA approved and seemingly moving toward funding)
City of Fremont Decoto Complete Streets (design complete, awaiting funding) https://www.fremont.gov/government/departments/public-works/public-works-projects/decoto-road-complete-streets
Capitol Corridor South Bay Connect https://www.southbayconnect.com/ and Ardenwood highway 84 median busway station https://sr84busfacility.com/ (seemingly stalled by lack of funds)
Union City ACE stop (rumored dead)
It is unfortunate that so many lead agencies have to have successful projects go forward in order to have a good Dumbarton Corridor service – there ought to be a coordinated, overarching vision. It is also unfortunate that counties’ insistence on return to source in the regional measure means that Alameda County will not have capital funds from the regional measure to put toward construction of its corresponding Dumbarton projects.
Additional operational change: My understanding is that the metering lights at the westbound Hwy 84 toll plaza are rarely turned on, if ever. This project would do well to secure an operational commitment from Caltrans/BATA to turn on the metering lights whenever it is necessary to prevent traffic from slowing east of Decoto Road.