Dumbarton express trains

There is a simple answer to the Peninsula traffic problems. The city and regional planning departments have to stop “stuffing 20 pounds in a 10-pound bag” when it comes to approving new development. However, a more realistic suggestion is the rehabilitation and reopening of the Dumbarton Rail line that crosses the Bay from East Palo Alto to Newark. The right of way, roadbed, track and bridge are already in place. Facebook has already donated $1 million for a feasibility study. Such a rail crossing would help relieve the daily traffic congestion on the Dumbarton and Hayward-San Mateo bridges.

The Dumbarton rail crossing could connect Caltrain, Amtrak and ACE (Altamont Commuter Express) trains from the East Bay and Central Valley with the Peninsula via rails! There are rail junctions at both Redwood City and Newark, with wye tracks that would allow trains traveling east or west to go north or south along the East Bay and Peninsula. The terminals for these lines are San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose, which already exist. 

Of course, to make the whole rail transit plan work, there needs to be coordinated bus and shuttle service connecting with the rail lines. This is all doable. Think about it.

Michael Oberg

San Mateo