BART voices frustrations about lack of transparency from VTA

The partnership between two Silicon Valley transit agencies is souring amid accusations of a lack of communication involving the region’s most significant expansion project.

BART leaders say they’re frustrated that VTA failed to share critical updates about the Silicon Valley expansion project before announcing them publicly, according to recent letter obtained by San José Spotlight. The two agencies are working together on a $12.75 billion, 6-mile BART expansion through Silicon Valley. VTA has been working to patch a nearly $1 billion funding gap in the project.

The letter, from BART Assistant General Manager Shane Edwards to VTA General Manager Carolyn Gonot, said VTA didn’t inform BART about a report regarding the costs of twin bore tunneling and an effort to reduce construction costs before making the updates public. VTA plans to build the expansion’s 5-mile tunnel using a single bore method — where only one large tunnel is dug. The transit agency published a report Aug. 11 reinforcing the benefits of single bore tunneling.

VTA began preparing Newhall Maintenance Yard for the tunnel’s construction in April 2024, with plans to also build space for train cars to be serviced at the yard later in the timeline. Erica Roecks, an executive at VTA, said the agency discussed reducing construction on the additional train car services at the yard with BART to cut project costs.

But Edwards said in his letter that BART is “gravely concerned” VTA failed to share the changes before making a public announcement, and that BART rejects the reduced yard development.

“These lapses are incompatible with the level of transparency and cooperation expected between primary project partners,” Edwards wrote. “Such omissions hinder BART’s ability to fulfill its responsibilities to the public, damage stakeholder confidence, and raises fundamental concerns about VTA’s adherence to its commitments.”

A spokesperson for BART declined further comment, but said the agency is talking with VTA about improving communications moving forward.

A VTA spokesperson said the agency is working to address the concerns raised in Edwards’ letter. VTA is responsible for the project’s design and construction, and BART is collaborating to ensure the project meets the agency’s standards.

“We remain deeply committed to maintaining a strong working relationship with BART, and to delivering a project that upholds the highest standards of safety and efficiency, while exercising prudent fiscal stewardship,” the VTA spokesperson told San José Spotlight.

Santa Clara Councilmember Suds Jain, who sits on VTA’s board of directors, said this isn’t the first time VTA has withheld information about the multiphase expansion project. Jain said the transit agency has downplayed the impact of single bore tunneling on downtown life, which has raised concerns from business owners and San Jose leaders.

“The transparency is appalling, it’s simply appalling on this project,” Jain told San José Spotlight. “My impression is they are running out the clock so we are backed into a corner as a board, so we have to approve what they want to do.”

Tom Maguire, VTA chief megaprojects delivery officer, told Jain in an email there will likely be multiple months-long closures on Santa Clara Street to build two new BART stations and for construction of the tunnel.

A San Jose Downtown Association representative declined to comment on if VTA communicated the impacts of single bore tunneling.
While the transit agency has prioritized designs that reduce disruptions to downtown, officials said temporary impacts like lane closures are unavoidable in any major infrastructure project.

“The project briefs the public and board monthly on technical progress and project finances at a special project oversight committee,” the VTA spokesperson said. “We publish an 80-page monthly report providing additional details and share federal oversight materials with our board and the public. This is a higher level of transparency than any other transit megaproject in the U.S.”