Livermore, Calif. - On Monday, November 23, 2009, Congressman Jerry McNerney joined the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA) Board of Directors, staff and Project Team members in a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction for the agency’s Bus Rapid Transit Project (Tri-Valley Rapid).

“The Rapid BRT project is a true partnership of federal, state, regional and local government,” stated Jerry Thorne, LAVTA Chair.  “Specifically, the Rapid received a total of approximately $13.8 million in funding including $11 million in federal funding, $1.1 million from State Proposition 1B, $1 million in Transportation Development Act funds, $450,000 from the Transportation Funds for Clean Air Program, $300,000 in Alameda County Measure B and local funding from LAVTA.”

“Monday’s event to kick off construction for the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority’s (LAVTA) new bus rapid transit route was an important commemoration and I was happy to have so many local officials participate with us,” said Rep. McNerney, who played a leading role in obtaining approximately $11 million in federal funding for the project.  “LAVTA’s new bus rapid transit route will provide an easy to use transit service for people traveling between Pleasanton, Dublin, and Livermore including BART and the Labs, and will help reduce congestion along the heavily traveled I-580 corridor.  I was proud to help obtain funds for this project.”

The project began in 2004 with the BART Corridor Study which analyzed alternatives for extending rail service from the existing Dublin/Pleasanton BART station to Livermore.  While the financial aspects of extending rail to Livermore were daunting the study concluded that a Bus Rapid Transit option could be developed as a nearer term option, while continuing to work on the longer term rail option.

To help lure people out of their cars, Rapid improvements will include buses powered by clean hybrid technology which deliver cleaner emissions, higher fuel economy and a quieter ride.  Bus stop improvements include enhanced shelter amenities like “real-time” bus arrival signage, paving, improved way-finding signage, recycling containers and bike racks for those who want to bike a portion of their commute.  For more information about the Rapid, please visit Wheels online at www.wheelsbus.com 

Wheels is a convenient way to travel throughout the Tri-Valley and is an excellent way to build a cleaner, healthier and less congested community. For more information on routes and schedules call (925) 455-7500or visit us online at www.wheelsbus.com.

Tags: Press Releases by Tim Sbranti
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This past week, we lost a member of our Dublin Schools family.  On the evening of November 24th, Tom Cunningham, head custodian at Dublin Elementary School, lost his life to a senseless act of violence.  This has affected many of us throughout our district; from staff who knew and worked with Tom, parents, and of course, the children in our schools.

Tom was well known and loved in our district; a man who always had a smile on is face and a hello to all he met.  He was hired as a custodian at Dublin High School in August 2003, served as the temporary head custodian at Fallon, and moved on to become the  head custodian at Dublin Elementary in 2006.  He loved his job and was affectionately known by students as “Mr. Tom”.  Serving two roles in our district, both as a parent and an employee, strengthened his ties to both staff and students.

While it is difficult to come to grips with this tragedy, there is a way you can help.  A memorial fund has been established for Tom Cunningham’s daughter.  You can make a donation to the “Thomas Ray Cunningham Fund” at any Wells Fargo Bank.  Funds raised will go towards his daughter’s college education.

A memorial service is scheduled for Thursday, December 3rd at 2:00 p.m. at Callaghan Mortuary, 3833 East Ave. in Livermore. Following the memorial service, a reception will be held at Dublin Elementary School at 5:00 p.m. The entire community is invited to attend this event.

We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Tom Cunningham. In memory of our friend and colleague, flags will be flown at half staff through Thursday, December 3rd.

Tags: Dublin Updates by Tim Sbranti
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Check out the Dublin Holiday Happenings Calendar to find out the holiday events going on for the month of December.

Tags: Dublin Events by Tim Sbranti
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