Three Californian counties in the US have voted to pass a $3.5bn infrastructure bond called Measure RR, which is intended to help improve Bay Area Rapid Transit’s (BART) rail system.
The measure was passed by voters in San Francisco with 81.1%, while Alameda County voters passed it with 70.8%.
However, a reduced number of Contra Costa County voters gave their approval at 59.5%.
Together, voters in the three counties passed the measure with 70.1%.
As part of the newly approved measure, 90 miles of severely worn tracks and water-damaged tunnels would be improved, as well as upgrading the 44-year-old train control systems.
Responding to the passage of Measure RR, BART board president Tom Radulovich said: "Thank you, Bay Area, for affirming the need to replace this 44-year-old train system’s worn rail, train control equipment, leaking tunnels, and power transmission infrastructure.
“These engagements with the Bay Area community were essential to shaping our plan, and forged a broad consensus about the importance of rebuilding BART and allowing BART to fulfil a growing regional need for quality public transit.
“The first of a new fleet of train cars will begin rolling off the assembly line, after four years of design, construction, and testing. As the new trains will be added to the old fleet and passengers will soon begin to feel some overcrowding relief.”
