At the same time, neighbors of the almost inactive rail line are increasingly thinking about how six new commuter trains a day will affect their lives and property. On January 3, Menlo Park Mayor Mary Jo Borak signed a letter criticizing the railroad plan. It cited problems of noise and vibration in neighborhoods, and proposed grade crossings at Willow and Marsh roads, Chilco Street, and at University Avenue in East Palo Alto. Mr. Schmidt noted that the city's request for grade crossings would not affect funding for the rail project. Next comes final design, including plans for two new stations in Menlo Park and East Palo Alto, followed by environmental review and public hearings, before actual construction could start.
Early plans call for six trains a day, going west in the morning and east in the afternoon.
Trains would take passengers from rail and BART lines in the East Bay, as well as the hugely popular Altamont Commuter Express from Stockton, and carry them across the Bay to stations in East Palo Alto, Menlo Park and Redwood City. There, alternate trains would go north to Millbrae and south to San Jose. The Alameda County Transportation Authority has included money for its share of the rail service in its plan for reauthorizing its half-cent sales tax, which may go to the voters in November. Representatives from the three counties' transportation authorities and business leaders on both sides of the Bay will focus on funding. Representatives of the six cities with stations on the rail line will look at design issues, such as overpasses, sound walls, and where stations should be located.