VTA/BART update: Phase 2 construction underway, $700M–$1.2B funding gap remains; contractor changed

VTA and BART staff told the Santa Clara Station Area Task Force on July 17 that major construction is underway for the BART Silicon Valley Phase 2 extension and that while the project has secured a $5.1 billion Federal Transit Administration commitment and $100 million from the state’s SB1 program, a remaining funding gap of roughly $700 million to $1.2 billion persists.

The presentation, led by project staff Brent (last name not provided) and Ali Mustafa of the external affairs team, summarized the alignment and schedule: Phase 2 is a roughly 6‑mile extension with four stations (three below grade) and a maintenance yard near Brokaw. The agency is pursuing revenue passenger service in 2037, while continuing construction and design in parallel.

Why it matters: the federal award was described as the second‑largest FTA new‑starts grant ever and covers about 40% of the project cost, but staff said additional cost reductions and new funding sources are needed before a full funding and grant agreement can be finalized.

Cost, savings and procurement changes

Staff described a multi‑level cost‑savings program. “Level 1” options — station and yard configuration changes and removing a multistory parking garage in favor of at‑grade parking — yielded about $300 million in savings, staff said. A second set of measures added roughly $50 million more. The presentation…