On Tuesday, the Oakley City Council approved an MOU for a pilot with Glydways Inc. for a pilot Fixed-Guideway Transit System in the City of Oakley.
According to the Staff Report, Glydways has met with Mayor Kevin Romick and staff to discuss the possibility of developing a pilot of such a system at the future Oakley Amtrak Station extending to Vintage Parkway, and also with possible extensions to the Logistics Center and on to the Antioch BART Station. It is acknowledged that such a project is ambitious and grants and assistance from other entities will be required. The purpose of this MOU is to guide these continued discussions, research and efforts to find partners, grants and the other resources needed for the pilot.
The project length in total is estimated at 5.78 miles with a total of 5 boarding zones between the City of Antioch and City of Oakley with an estimated 200,000 riders per year which would be completed by 2023.
In Phase 1, however, the length is just 0.35 miles between the New Amtrak platform and Vintage Parkway overpass with an estimated 20,000 riders per year which would be ready for service by 2021.
“We do recommend approval, this MOU does not obligate the city financially but in supporting this pilot,” stated city manager Bryan Montgomery.
Mayor Romick asked in the MOU if there was any financial support asked of the City.
Montgomery replied it was specific that there would not be, instead, it would cost the city staff time and not a financial consideration.
“They are looking to bring some unique technology to our community and use it as a starting place,” stated Romick.
Councilwoman Claire Alaura asked if Glydways was working with any other city who they could look at.
Romick explained that they were a startup company that has been in existence for around a year who was also in discussions with other cities in Contra Costa County and Bay Area.
Montgomery interjected saying that was the intent for the small section from the parking lot to AMTRAK section.
“If it was construction, they could invite others to see it in action. Even though it would be a short section initially, it would be proof of its viability to others and investors. In many ways, we would be the first if it worked out here,” stated Montgomery.
The MOU was approved in a 5-0 vote.
1 comment
Hello? Is Tri Delta asleep at the wheel? Why is it ceding this to a private entity? And why is Oakley entertaining the idea? Also…..an Oakley Amtrak station? So it’s good bye to the Antioch pit stop? Hmmmm
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