I suppose every project confronts some particular issues and SMART definitely. One is heavy freight standards which will have to be jettisoned to achieve real rapid transit. Imagine if sainted BART had to follow FRA-AAR rules. Other persistent issues have to do with Marin Co. and its being forced by ABAG to build low income housing in connection with SMART. Toney Marin does not want it. Rich people bring money; bangers and sideshowers cost money. San Rafael worries about trains blocking its downtown parallel one-way streets.
Add to that BART-MTC longterm broad gauge machinations to colonize Geary and then on north on 19th Ave. to the Bridge. Of course BART would want the SMART ROW and that would be the end of NCRA-NWP standard gauge in any event.
For those who want the Northbay to somewhat stay the way it is now the best bet is a moderate capacity electric light rail system across the GG bridge into the City. Ditto for the Richmond District in the City. 10 cattlecar trains on broad gauge will truly transmogrify, skyrise tenements and all.
Scampia:
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