The MTC has also approved the use of $70 million in federal stimulus money. The MTC’s support would depend on the terms as to whether BART can address the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) concerns about the project.
Concerns have also been raised on the effects that the APM would have on minorities and low-income members of society, and it has been stated that it might result in discriminations.
BART would be submitting an action plan to the FTA by second week of February, 2010, after which the MTC would meet on February 17, 2010 to check on the project schedule. Any deviations that come under the notice of the MTC would result in the $70 million stimulus funding to be redirected to other maintenance projects.
Construction is scheduled to be completed in three-and-a-half years and the service is expected to begin in 2013.
