Selections from the reports of League members observing regional agencies, Fall 1974. These reports were published in the Bay Area Observer, which was distributed to subscribers between 1972 and 1979. They were also a basis for early issues of the Bay Area Monitor. (This logo was the "O" in Observer. )
BART: "Directors authorized a six-month test of carrying standard-size bicycles on BART trains during off-peak hours, on a permit basis. . . After four days of hearings, BART's plans to start transbay service September 16 were approved by the state Public Utility Commission staff. . . Transbay opening ceremonies are planned for Saturday, September 14 at 10 am at Lake Merritt station."
"The Metropolitan Transportation Commission received a $700,000 grant from the department of Transportation's Urban Mass Transit Transportation Division to continue a study of BART's impact on the Bay Area. The study is in its second of 4 years and is designed to determine the effect of BART on Bay Area travel patterns, environment, economy, public policy, land use, and life styles."
Air District: "On the first of this month [October], a new regulation went into effect which is expected to remove 40 tons of pollutants from our air every day: persons who have gasoline storage tanks (such as service stations or businesses with their own fleet of vehicles) must equip them with devices that will recover 90% of the gasoline vapors that would otherwise be dissipated into the air. It is necessary that the truck that delivers the gasoline as well as the tank receiving it be properly equipped. . . Most of the larger gasoline companies have been preparing to meet this standard, but it is anticipated that about 1000 independents are not."
Regional Government: "Acting under a resolution approved by BASSA [Bay Area Sewer Service Agency], ABAG [Association of Bay Area Governments], BCDC [Bay Conservation and Development Commission], MTC [Metropolitan Transportation Commission] and BAAPCD [Bay Area Air Pollution Control District] a committee consisting of regional agency chairmen and executive officers adopted a motion to support the formation of a regional planning agency which combines the `umbrella' and consolidation approach as the initial form for a multipurpose regional government.
"In November, executive directors of the agencies met twice to discuss their points of view on the problems involved in formation of a multipurpose agency. On December 2 they reported to the full committee that they had determined there would be no staffing problems with establishment of a coordinating (or umbrella) agency, but a consolidated board of directors would require appointment by the new board of an overall executive director who should appoint, after consulting with the consolidated board, the deputy directors controlling each of the functioning areas."
Transportation: "The December 18, 1974 meeting of MTC drew a larger attendance by Commissioners than usual, probably due to the fact that the widening proposal for controversial Route 580 was on the agenda. This highway has been planned and discussed for many years, having gone through a complete revision for the past two or three years to accommodate a medianstrip for transit vehicles. . . . Differences between MTC staff recommendations and those of Caltrans were aired. The basic difference involved 6 lanes recommended by staff and 8 by Caltrans, each proposal reserving 2 lanes for bus and carpool use, plus the 80 foot median for transit only. . . When the vote was finally taken, the project was approved, although five Commissioners voted against it.
"Mr. Harold Willson gave a report concerning the needs of handicapped persons on public transit facilities. BART is the only system that is truly designed to serve the elderly and handicapped. The lack of more facilities is a denial of constitutional rights, Mr. Willson said. Accommodation should not be limited to off-peak hours nor should a separate system for wheelchair users be designed. Every transit vehicle should be outfitted for the elderly and handicapped, Mr. Willson feels. Commissioner Peter Lewis reported that FMC is creating a prototype wheelchair bus for Santa Clara County."