Connecting San Jose and Santa Clara County with new, reliable transit
At a glance
The San Franciso Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system serves over 48 million passengers annually in the Bay Area and is the fifth busiest heavy rail rapid transit system in the US. BART Silicon Valley Phase II (BSVII) Program is a vital addition to the region's transportation network, including a 6-mile extension into San Jose, which promises to reduce traffic congestion and improve accessibility across the region.
BSVII is a critical investment in the future of the Bay Area, and The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is leading the effort to bring this transformative project to fruition.
The challenge
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) aims to provide reliable and efficient public transportation with the BSV Program, offering new opportunities for the community to connect and access the resources and services they need.
The BSVII Program, owned and managed by VTA, represents the largest public infrastructure program undertaken in Santa Clara County, CA. It is expertly managed using a collaborative approach that involves multiple stakeholders and adheres to industry-standard project management practices. With a total budget of $12.2B, the project's scale and complexity demand a high level of expertise. The Program is led by a highly experienced team of professionals from various backgrounds, including engineering, PM/CM, and contractors.
BSVII has an ambitious design and construction schedule, and the collaborative management approach ensures that all aspects of the project are effectively coordinated, monitored, and completed to the highest standards.
Our response
Working closely with VTA's procurement department, GHD plays a crucial role in supporting the contract administration of engineering, program management and construction management services contracts related to the BSVII Program. With a comprehensive project management approach, our team provides VTA with the support and guidance needed to navigate the complex and demanding nature of this project. We are dedicated to ensuring that all contract aspects are expertly handled, from drafting and negotiation to compliance monitoring and amendment management, facilitating seamless project progression from initial design to final construction and commissioning.
Delivering this program alongside our teaming partner/prime Hill International, GHD is instrumental in working closely with VTA's procurement department to support the contract administration of engineering, program management, and construction management services contracts related to the BSVII Program.
The impact
Upon completion, the BART services will extend 6 miles from the Berryessa Transit Center into downtown San José, culminating in the City of Santa Clara. The projected capacity for the project to accommodate 54,600 passengers daily will significantly improve connectivity across the Bay Area, providing the community with more reliable and frequent transit options. This increased capacity is set to have a positive impact on the community by enhancing accessibility and convenience for residents and visitors alike. Phase II connects communities to thousands of jobs and also generates employment opportunities during the design and construction phases. This represents a once-in-a-century opportunity to create equitable, walkable neighborhoods for living, working, shopping, and recreation, all centered around transit hubs. By promoting transit-oriented communities, the reliance on driving decreases, resulting in fewer auto trips and decreased greenhouse gas emissions.