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DISCUSSION

The Transportation Element of the General Plan identified the need for reliable and efficient connections to the regional transit system as a critical component of future developments, especially at Alameda Point, Alameda Landing and the Northern Waterfront. The development of major transit corridors that link Alameda Point to the BART system is considered a key feature for future development of the site given the projected traffic demand and congestion levels at Alameda's estuary crossings.

The RTAS includes an evaluation of potential rapid bus transit corridors and improvements to reduce future development's dependency on cars by making commutes to BART via transit faster than driving. Some of the improvements recommended by the RTAS include dedicated travel lanes for bus service in combination with high-occupancy transit vehicles, enhanced boarding platforms, queue jump lanes and signal priority measures to minimize travel time and maximize potential ridership. Bicycle and pedestrian linkages between Alameda Point and existing transit stops at Webster Street and Ralph Appezzato Memorial Parkway (RAMP), such as the Cross Alameda Trail, also are important in facilitating transit ridership and connections to BART.