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Learn More What is ATN/PRT? ATN/PRT videos Milpitas BART Loop MOU to Milpitas Council Goliath vs. David (BART Burrow vs. PRT network)

Since being presented to the City Council on March 19, 2019, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) proposing a BART Circulator Project in the Transit Area of Milpitas has received the following letters of support. Lots of information about PRT and this project is online. These references answer most questions that people ask.

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): http://sunnyhillsneighborhood.org/mou-milpitas.pdf

Overview of project (large poster format): http://sunnyhillsneighborhood.org/poster.pdf

Presentation slides: http://sunnyhillsneighborhood.org/slides.pdf (slide 7 outlines some history)

Estimating $15M/mile Capital Costs of PRT: http://sunnyhillsneighborhood.org/cost.html

LoopWorks preferred hardware details: http://sunnyhillsneighborhood.org/hardware.html

Find a dozen PRT videos here: http://sunnyhillsneighborhood.org/crossing.html#videos

If you would like to send a letter of support directly to Council, contact information for each of the 5 individual Council members is at http://www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov/directory/categories/council-directory
If you email them, be sure to send a copy to the City Clerk, Mary Lavelle, (408) 586-3001, mlavelle@ci.milpitas.ca.gov, so it gets into the Council packet.

If you want your letter listed below, send a copy to info@SunnyhillsNeighborhood.org

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September 17, 2019	Assembly member Kansen Chu (AD 25)
September 17, 2019	Lawrence J. Fabian, Trans.21
September 21, 2019	Advanced Transit Association
October 2, 2019	Eugene Nishinaga, President and CEO of Transit Control Solutions, Inc.
November 24, 2019	Ed Anderson, Principle Developer and Managing Director of Intelligent Transportation Network System (ITNS)
December 7, 2019	Sunnyhills Neighborhood Association (SNA)
December 12, 2019	Alex Lee, State Assembly District 25 Candidate
January 23, 2020	John Leyba, SCC Board of Supervisors Candidate (Dist. 3)

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Emails sent since March 19, 2019 to the Council members and others responding to questions and concerns.

• From: Rob Means
  To: Anthony Phan , Richard Tran , Robert Nuñez , Karina Dominguez , Carmen Montano
  Cc: Julie Edmonds-Mares , Steve McHarris , Chris Diaz
  Subject: AGREEMENT TO PURSUE A TRANSIT PROJECT BETWEEN THE CITY OF MILPITAS AND SUSTAINABLE HABITAT
  Date: Wed, 20 Mar 2019 08:35:39 -0700
  
  Honorable mayor and Council Members,
  
  Attached is a digital copy of the MOU I delivered to the Clerk at last night's City Council meeting. As I expect any developer would do, I am requesting a brief meeting with each of you to answer any questions and ensure we are aligned on this matter. Let me know when and where is convenient for you, and I can likely arrange my schedule to meet.
  
  Particular thanks go to the Mayor for setting me straight about this being my project. I strongly believe that the project will go smoother and achieve better results by putting the City in a supportive role and letting Cooperative take the lead.
  --
  Rob Means, Secretary
  Sunnyhills Neighborhood Association
  www.SunnyhillsNeighborhood.org
  408-262-0420, SNA@electric-bikes.com
  1421 Yellowstone Ave, Milpitas, CA 95035-6913
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
• From: Rob Means
  Subject: Re: [Fwd: let's schedule a brief meeting about PRT in the Transit Area]
  Date: Wed, 10 Apr 2019 10:19:01 -0700
  
  ... Something that popped up recently was an objection to PRT due to land acquisition costs. That was certainly a big cost-factor in getting BART right-of-way from Union Pacific RR. In the case of PRT, however, air rights is the primary acquisition needed; actual ground-level real estate is limited to 4 square feet (for a foundation) every 60 - 90 feet, plus station footprints. I anticipate that at 4 of the 5 property owners will grant the needed r-o-w for free due to self interests: the City of Milpitas gets better transit for some residents, the Great Mall gets both easier access and a novelty/tourist attraction, BART/VTA get more passengers, and County Roads & Airports (that controls Montague Expressway) gets less congestion. I plan to approach Santa Clara Valley Water District last since I don't see an obvious benefit to them.
  
  I look forward to our conversation -- and working together on this project.
  
  --
  Rob Means, Secretary
  Sunnyhills Neighborhood Association
  www.SunnyhillsNeighborhood.org
  408-262-0420, SNA@electric-bikes.com
  1421 Yellowstone Ave, Milpitas, CA 95035-6913
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
• From: Rob Means
  To: Anthony Phan
  Subject: Let's schedule a brief meeting about PRT in the Transit Area
  Date: Wed, 10 Apr 2019 11:00:10 -0700
  
  Anthony,
  
  As you can read in the attached MOU, I want to provide transportation equity by making ridership free. While free service is a goal, and it may not be achievable on a long-term basis, if we don't attempt it, we certainly won't achieve it. I don't want something popping up at the last minute. I want people to know up-front what I am proposing and why. So, please have your list of questions and concerns ready for our meeting.
  
  I look forward to our conversation -- and working together on a PRT system in the Transit Area. With the exception of some evenings, most of my time is flexible to meet with you. Let me know when and where works for you. Thanks.
  
  BTW, attached is the MOU, and here is the link to the poster that visually lays out the plan: http://sunnyhillsneighborhood.org/poster.pdf
  --
  Rob Means, Secretary
  Sunnyhills Neighborhood Association
  www.SunnyhillsNeighborhood.org
  408-262-0420, SNA@electric-bikes.com
  1421 Yellowstone Ave, Milpitas, CA 95035-6913
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
• From: Rob Means
  To: Karina Dominguez
  Subject: Re: [Fwd: let's schedule a brief meeting about PRT in the Transit Area]
  Date: Wed, 10 Apr 2019 10:19:01 -0700
  
  
  Karina,
  
  Yes, 5/3 at 11 am is on my calendar. Where shall we meet?
  
  While I can understand that you "don’t commit prior to the dais conversations", I like Bob's go-to response that indicates agreement (or not) along with a disclaimer. I don't recall his exact words (and I hope he reads this and sends them to you), but it went like this: I can support you on this unless some information arises that causes me to change my mind. Such a response provides both feedback and a warning that whoever he is talking with better be transparent about their dealings or else lose his support. I don't want something popping up at the last minutes. I want people to know up-front what I am proposing and why. So, please have your list of questions and concerns ready for our meeting.
  
  Something that popped up recently was an objection to PRT due to land acquisition costs. That was certainly a big cost-factor in getting BART right-of-way from Union Pacific RR. In the case of PRT, however, air rights is the primary acquisition needed; actual ground-level real estate is limited to 4 square feet (for a foundation) every 60 - 90 feet, plus station footprints. I anticipate that at 4 of the 5 property owners will grant the needed r-o-w for free due to self interests: the City of Milpitas gets better transit for some residents, the Great Mall gets both easier access and a novelty/tourist attraction, BART/VTA get more passengers, and County Roads & Airports (that controls Montague Expressway) gets less congestion. I plan to approach Santa Clara Valley Water District last since I don't see an obvious benefit to them.
  
  I look forward to our conversation -- and working together on this project.
  --
  Rob Means, Secretary
  Sunnyhills Neighborhood Association
  www.SunnyhillsNeighborhood.org
  408-262-0420, SNA@electric-bikes.com
  1421 Yellowstone Ave, Milpitas, CA 95035-6913
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
• From: Rob Means
  To: Karina Dominguez
  Subject: PRT videos, and where the money will come from
  Date: Fri, 03 May 2019 12:29:54 -0700
  
  
  Karina,
  
  Here's the link to several videos that show actual systems and proposals: http://sunnyhillsneighborhood.org/crossing.html#videos
  
  As for funding, capital costs for design, construction and testing is expected from foundations and government agencies with an interest in reducing CO2 emissions and/or supporting transit. Attached is my current target list. If you are familiar with the problem-solving phenomenon that things start out messy, but get messier before converging on a solution, then you will see that the attached is at the messier stage. If you have trouble reading it, let me know and I will send a PDF version.
  
  Waiting a year for an official report that will tell us what we already know at a time of accelerating Climate Crisis seems an inappropriately timid response to a technology that could make a big difference in whether our species survives the next 100 years or not. Bold and rapid action is called for now! I will gather some numbers to attempt a trend analysis of traffic in the Transit Area. If you would like to sharpen or expand that focus, let me know.
  --
  Rob Means, Secretary
  Sunnyhills Neighborhood Association
  www.SunnyhillsNeighborhood.org
  408-262-0420, SNA@electric-bikes.com
  1421 Yellowstone Ave, Milpitas, CA 95035-6913
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
• From: Rob Means
  To: Richard Tran , Carmen Montano
  Subject: Let's meet -- about a $60M transportation infrastructure project
  Date: Wed, 08 May 2019 08:29:15 -0700
  
  Mayor Tran and Council member Montano,
  Since my first request for a meeting with Council members on March 19, I have met with three ...
  
  So, I am asking again to meet with you two, especially since you both represent Milpitas at official transportation meetings. Although Bob Livengood and I can count to 3, I would much prefer a 5-0 favorable vote when the MOU comes before Council to send the "right" message to others. Unless you have several questions, our meeting could be 15 minutes or less. Clearly, a successful MiniLoop (http://sunnyhillsneighborhood.org/poster.pdf) project would benefit Milpitas, and potentially make a significant difference in our nation's response to Climate Crisis.
  
  Alternatively, if you don't want to meet with me about the MOU (http://sunnyhillsneighborhood.org/mou-milpitas.pdf), a simple "no" would suffice. I look forward to your response before Saturday (5/11) morning.
  --
  Rob Means, Secretary
  Sunnyhills Neighborhood Association
  www.SunnyhillsNeighborhood.org
  408-262-0420, SNA@electric-bikes.com
  1421 Yellowstone Ave, Milpitas, CA 95035-6913
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
• From: Rob Means
  To: Carmen Montano
  Subject: Followup to our PRT conversation
  Date: Thu, 09 May 2019 00:54:12 -0700
  
  
  Carmen,
  
  Thank you for meeting with me. Here is additional information.
  
  The Pedestrian Overcrossing (POC) from the Great Mall across the BART tracks to the new Edge housing is not in any of the CIPs from 2016 to 2019. The POC is also not mentioned in the General Plan. There is also no text mention of the POC in the TASP (last Amended in 2011), although there are 2 maps that show it (pages 3-5 and 3-28).
  
  Here is a list of PRT videos: http://sunnyhillsneighborhood.org/crossing.html#videos
  The last one shows the Morgantown PRT system.
  
  This poster outlines the project and includes both a map and pictures of the cab and guideway: http://sunnyhillsneighborhood.org/poster.pdf
  
  These are potential stakeholders that would help form and operate the cooperative: • nearby residents who could use the PRT system • nearby businesses whose customers could use the PRT system • all Milpitas residents and businesses who could benefit from a tourist attraction • various property owners (City of Milpitas, Santa Clara County Roads and Airports Department, Santa Clara Valley Water District, Valley Transportation Authority, and Great Mall owner Simon Property Group) • City of Milpitas (bragging rights and Economic Development opportunities) • other cities and agencies with an interest in PRT development (Mt. View, Sunnyvale, SJ) • foundations with an interest in reducing CO2 emissions or increasing transit use • government agencies with an interest in reducing CO2 emissions or supporting transit • developers who want to reduce parking ratio requirements In the attached you will find both projected costs and benefits of the proposed PRT system. Also attached is the MOU.
  If I can be of further assistance, please contact me. Otherwise, expect to hear from me on Wednesday, May 22. :-)
  --
  Rob Means, Secretary
  Sunnyhills Neighborhood Association
  www.SunnyhillsNeighborhood.org
  408-262-0420, SNA@electric-bikes.com
  1421 Yellowstone Ave, Milpitas, CA 95035-6913
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
• From: Rob Means
  To: Karina Dominguez
  Cc: Steve Chan Subject: Transit Area Traffic Analysis
  Date: Sat, 18 May 2019 12:00:03 -0700
  
  
  Council member Dominguez,
  
  During our May 3 conversation, I agreed to 1) provide links to PRT videos, 2) answer the question "Where will the funding come from?", and 3) gather some numbers to attempt a trend analysis of traffic in the Transit Area. You also suggested that June 7 and June 21 could be opportunities to talk further. If after reading my May 3 email and this one, you still want to meet and discuss, please provide me a time and place. If, however, you are satisfied that a $60M transit project as described in the MOU is good for Milpitas, just let me know you are supportive so this can come before Council sooner rather than later because our Climate Crisis is not waiting.
  
  Finding specific data to prepare a traffic analysis was more difficult than expected. However, Traffic Engineer Steve Chan provided a quick overview by noting that, based on "recent sample traffic data collection for the region, we are experiencing approximately 3% annual growth in traffic volume on our roadways." Over the past 10 years, that 30% increase in traffic correlates well with the 30% increase in Valley jobs (supported by mere 4% growth in housing). That relationship between increased jobs and traffic congestion appears to be borne out by the data points I did uncover from various official documents.
  
  Steve Chan also noted that "VTA anticipates vehicle traffic patterns around the Milpitas BART station to change once passenger service begins, and the city has a proposed traffic study project in future Capital Improvement Program to assess these traffic changes." VTA’s estimated 12,000 daily transit passengers (projected to rise to 20,000 in 2030) is a 20% increase from today’s estimated 60,000 vehicles per day on Montague Expressway. Only 1650 parking spots will be available for the estimated 4000 daily passengers arriving by private motor vehicles (7200 are expected to arrive/depart by bus).
  
  Those are the big-picture trends: 1) more jobs = more traffic and congestion, and 2) opening BART transit hub = more traffic and congestion. Following are some details on Level of service (LOS) measures, Housing growth and impacts, and capital projects (CIP) that are planned to mitigate the congestion in the Transit Area.
  
  [Click here for the 16-page traffic analysis of the Transit Area.]
  --
  Rob Means, Secretary
  Sunnyhills Neighborhood Association
  www.SunnyhillsNeighborhood.org
  408-262-0420, SNA@electric-bikes.com
  1421 Yellowstone Ave, Milpitas, CA 95035-6913
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
• From: Rob Means
  To: Carmen Montano
  Subject: sponsorship of the PRT MOU?
  Date: Mon, 15 Jul 2019 12:56:43 -0700
  
  
  Carmen,
  
  In my meeting with Karina on Saturday, she recommended that I get Bob and Anthony to put the MOU on the Council Agenda via the Rules Committee. As the City's transportation representative, you have the opportunity to take the lead on this advanced transit project that won't cost the City any money, but may create a significant revenue boost for the City. Please let me know as soon as possible whether you are willing to take on that role -- or let the guys take the credit.
  
  As I finished writing that, I realized that you may require more information than I have provided. That is where Karina is staking her ground. She is awaiting the traffic study report due out in December. Clearly, she does not see our Climate Crisis as the emergency it really is. So, she is willing to accept a 6-month delay in this 1 of hundreds of things we need to do to reverse course before it becomes impossible to do so. The scientific community thinks we have about 10 more years to take bold steps. That community has been repeatedly optimistic in their IPCC reports. This is an EMERGENCY, and we don't have time to waste.
  --
  Rob Means, Secretary
  Sunnyhills Neighborhood Association
  www.SunnyhillsNeighborhood.org
  408-262-0420, SNA@electric-bikes.com
  1421 Yellowstone Ave, Milpitas, CA 95035-6913
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
• From: Rob Means
  To: Carmen Montano
  Subject: taking the lead on (and credit for) the PRT MOU
  Date: Fri, 09 Aug 2019 12:06:02 -0700
  
  
  Carmen,
  
  Since you did not attend last night's PRT presentation, I am concerned about your well-being. I hope you are well.
  
  The MOU (see attached) I presented to the Council on March 19 is a low-risk way for the City to encourage PRT. As with any developer seeking permits, the City has full power to review, modify and reject any designs and plans brought forth.
  
  In light of our Climate Emergency, I cannot in good conscience wait until the the traffic analysis report is available in December. As the City's representative to transportation agencies, you are best positioned to request that the MOU be placed on the Council Agenda. However, if I don't hear from you about the matter before Wednesday of next week (Aug. 14), I will take Karina's advice and ask the two Council members who expressed support to place the MOU on the Agenda (through the Rules Committee process).
  
  Please let me know at your earliest convenience your choice. Thank you.
  --
  Rob Means, Secretary
  Sunnyhills Neighborhood Association
  www.SunnyhillsNeighborhood.org
  408-262-0420, SNA@electric-bikes.com
  1421 Yellowstone Ave, Milpitas, CA 95035-6913
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
• From: Rob Means
  To: Carmen Montano
  Subject: Re: taking the lead on (and credit for) the PRT MOU
  Date: Wed, 14 Aug 2019 08:18:14 -0700
  
  
  Carmen,
  
  Yes, I know how juggling many duties can be.
  
  After our conversation in May, I sent you an email addressing 4 issues that I had noted. I must have missed your concern about O&M.
  
  The short story is that O&M is expected to cost about $600,000 per year based on 1% of a capital cost of $60M. (The longer story is here: http://sunnyhillsneighborhood.org/SNA-BART.html#operation ) As the MOU says, the goal of free PRT service for Milpitas residents will require on-going O&M financing from stakeholders and advertisers, not patrons/users. Ideally, costs would be covered through the channels outlined below.
  
  However, being one of the stakeholders, VTA may be willing to partially subsidize O&M. As you know, VTA subsidizes bus and LRT service at the 85% level. Supporting an alternative service would relieve VTA of the burden of providing bus service in the area served by LoopWorks. As long as the subsidy is less than the cost of providing bus service, it would be financially prudent to do so.
  
  However, I expect costs would be covered through the channels outlined below.
  
  Advertising - vehicle advertising wraps - guideway advertising wraps - other guideway-mounted signs, both static and dynamic - ad messaging within the cabs via screen and speaker - message suppression by users (10 cents to suppress audio, 25 cents to suppress both video and audio) Donations - in lieu of free fares, provide donation boxes at each station that make sounds and flash light when a donation is deposited - on-line donations from people around the world who are interested in GHG reductions and promoting alternative transit options Community Support - contributions from local businesses, organizations, and government agencies - benefit sharing by property owners around stations whose property values or customer count goes up as a result of extra infrastructure - benefit sharing by property-taxing agencies when property values go up as a result of extra infrastructure Data Sales - sell data that is collected about ridership, construction costs, and O&M costs Add-On Services - possibility of selling Wi-Fi service within cabs to users - leasing utility conduits within guideways (especially fiber-optic cable) - merchandising of PRT products - franchising of LoopWorks intellectual property - fees for moving freight If you have other concerns that I have not yet addressed, please give me the opportunity to do so.
  
  Our Climate Emergency is quickly escalating, but our systems are not responding as quickly. Thus, my sense of urgency on this project.
  --
  Rob Means, Secretary
  Sunnyhills Neighborhood Association
  www.SunnyhillsNeighborhood.org
  408-262-0420, SNA@electric-bikes.com
  1421 Yellowstone Ave, Milpitas, CA 95035-6913
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
• From: Rob Means
  To: Robert Nuñez , Anthony Phan Cc: Robert Nuñez , Anthony Phan Subject: [Fwd: adding the MOU to an upcoming agenda]
  Date: Wed, 21 Aug 2019 09:16:47 -0700
  
  ...
  Last week, I sent the following email requesting that you two put approval of the MOU on an upcoming Council agenda. Last night, Anthony asked for options.
  
  The short answer is that any of the provisions in the MOU (http://sunnyhillsneighborhood.org/mou-milpitas.pdf) could be changed. For example, you could change expectation 2 by adding a provision that gives the City veto over LoopWorks decisions, thus moving power from LoopWorks to the City. Or require "living wage" in expectation 5 rather than "prevailing wage". From a community well-being perspective, however, the other expectations are sound: keep control local, move together, use "free" money to pay for it, provide free-to-the-user service, acknowledge supporters, support local businesses, pay prevailing wages, be transparent and accountable, use standard design procedures, and commit for two years.
  
  I would discourage any strategic changes that do not conform with the MOU. For example, attempting to change ownership or control of the project from LoopWorks to VTA would be unwise for multiple reasons. Also, by specifying a cooperative as the controlling body, this MOU offers an alternative economic model to the capitalist system that is literally killing us.
  
  We are on a path to self-extinction. The scientists agree, and many knowledgeable people have already given up hope. I have not, even though my rational mind wants to. https://www.drawdown.org/ shows how we can actually save our selves. But we must move quickly and boldly. This MOU represents my best shot at quick and bold.
  --
  Rob Means, Secretary
  Sunnyhills Neighborhood Association
  www.SunnyhillsNeighborhood.org
  408-262-0420, SNA@electric-bikes.com
  1421 Yellowstone Ave, Milpitas, CA 95035-6913
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
• From: Rob Means
  To: "Boggs, Galen"
  Subject: Re: [Fwd: seeking support for advanced transit project in Milpitas]
  Date: Sun, 15 Sep 2019 22:47:57 -0700
  
  Galen,
  
  Thank you for spending time to attend the community outreach meeting. I trust it proved a valuable investment.
  
  Here are some answers to your questions. I would be happy to answer any others. If my attendance via phone would be helpful in your meeting with the Transportation Aide, let me know the time and day so I can be available for a call.
  
  
  Who would this would help?
  It could be argued that all of the currently identified stakeholders would benefit:
  • nearby residents who could use the PRT system
  • nearby businesses whose customers and workers could use the PRT system
  • all Milpitas residents and businesses that could benefit from a tourist attraction
  • various r-o-w property owners (City of Milpitas, Santa Clara County Roads and Airports Department, Santa Clara Valley Water District, Valley Transportation Authority, and Great Mall owner Simon Property Group)
  • City of Milpitas (congestion mitigation, bragging rights, and economic opportunities)
  • other cities and agencies with an interest in PRT development (Mt. View, Sunnyvale, San José)
  • foundations with an interest in reducing CO2 emissions or increasing transit use
  • government agencies with an interest in reducing CO2 emissions or supporting transit
  • Transit Area development companies that want to reduce parking ratio requirements
  • other developers with an interest in PRT service such as the proposed mega-project just outside Milpitas (north of Montague along Coyote Creek).
  
  
  What other elected support have you received?
  As of Sept. 15, no other elected representatives beyond 2 Milpitas Council members have expressed support for this project. However, a letter is expected from Assembly member Kansen Chu (through Anurag Pal), and these representatives ar
  e taking a serious look at the project: • Assembly member Ash Kalra (Stacie Shih)
  • State Senator Bob Wieckowski (Rocky Fernandez)
  • District 3 Supervisor Dave Cortese (Tara Sreekrishnan)
  
  A number of individuals and organizations have also been contacted, but I am awaiting a firm date for the Council hearing before asking the larger community to weigh in.
  
  
  Costs? Funding from where?
  Short story on costs is $15M/mile, or $60M for the entire 4-mile project. Find the long explanation of why $15M/mile is a reasonable combined cost estimate for guideway, stations, cabs and control at http://sunnyhillsneighborhood.org/co
  st.html
  Unlike most transportation projects that are funded by governmental transportation agencies or for-profit businesses, financing of this transit project is expected from foundations and agencies with discretionary budgets and grant progr
  ams, especially those focused on reducing CO2 emissions and/or increasing transit use. Examples could include Silicon Valley Clean Energy
  Silicon Valley Community Foundation
  Department of Energy Unsolicited Proposal Program
  Divest Invest Philanthropy
  Ray C. Anderson Foundation
  100&Change
  
  Unlike most transit systems with expensive Operation and Maintenance (O&M) costs, PRT O&M costs are expected to be small due to a simple hardware design, low fuel costs, and low staffing requirements. To provide free service to Milpitas
  residents, on-going O&M financing is expected from stakeholders and advertisers, not patrons/users.
  Statistics on traffic and population growth?
  The short traffic story: Finding specific data to prepare a traffic analysis was more difficult than expected. However, Milpitas Traffic Engineer Steve Chan provided a quick overview by noting that, based on "recent sample traffic data
  collection for the region, we are experiencing approximately 3% annual growth in traffic volume on our roadways." Over the past 10 years, that 30% increase in traffic correlates well with the 30% increase in Valley jobs (compared to a mere 4% growth in housing). That relationship between increased jobs and traffic congestion appears to be borne out by the data points I did uncover from various official documents.
  The long traffic story is the attached email response to Council member Karina Dominguez’s request.
  
  Regarding population growth, under current zoning, roughly 7000 housing units have been built, or are permitted to be built, in the Transit Area. City staff is considering some zoning changes to lift the current cap. Adding 12,000 daily
  BART riders to the existing bus and LRT riders will further exacerbate traffic congestion along Montague Expy. – which will also impact other east-west roadways. You can find more details on housing on page 3 of the attached response, and by searching the document for "units".
  
  Environmental impacts?
  A "Negative Declaration" type EIR should suffice due to 1) deployment in an already-developed area, 2) using electricity to power the cabs, and 3) minimal impact at ground level – small stations and roughly 2´ x 2´ holes for guideway po
  sts every 60´ to 90´. High-pressure pneumatic tires on smooth steel rails will reduce noise levels far below that of car tires on asphalt. Obviously, every carbon-powered trip eliminated because someone used PRT counts as a plus. If "public safety" was an EIR category, then the safety record of automated vehicles like PRT, airport APMs, and elevators would show a substantial decrease in injuries and death compared with non-auto use of the streets.
  Anything relating to the project itself.
  Obviously, the MOU itself – which you are being asked to comment upon – outlines the direction this PRT project is headed. The attached company outline shows the direction of the corporate entity (currently called LoopWorks) that will o
  perate the system.
  Perhaps the fact that this project incorporates 3 unusual aspects simultaneously is the riskiest aspect of the project – while also being the most likely combination for success. Specifically:
  1) Use advanced transit technology rather than traditional forms;
  2) Finance a transit project with foundation money rather than government money;
  3) Structure legal control of the system to be a Type B (public benefit) Corporation rather than a for-profit corporation (e.g. taxi or Uber) or government agency (e.g. VTA or BART).
  
  Lots of information about PRT and this project is online. Here are some references that answer most questions that people ask.
  Project’s Memorandum of Understanding: http://sunnyhillsneighborhood.org/mou-milpitas.pdf
  Overview of project (large poster format): http://sunnyhillsneighborhood.org/poster.pdf
  Presentation slides: http://sunnyhillsneighborhood.org/slides.pdf (slide 7 outlines some history)
  Estimating $15M/mile Capital Costs of PRT: http://sunnyhillsneighborhood.org/cost.html
  LoopWorks preferred hardware details: http://sunnyhillsneighborhood.org/hardware.html
  Find a dozen PRT videos here: http://sunnyhillsneighborhood.org/crossing.html#videos
  
  
  Again, I would be happy to answer any other questions. If my attendance via phone would be helpful in your meeting with the Transportation Aide, let me know the time and day so I can be available for a call.
  
  --
  Rob Means, Secretary
  Sunnyhills Neighborhood Association
  www.SunnyhillsNeighborhood.org
  408-262-0420, SNA@electric-bikes.com
  1421 Yellowstone Ave, Milpitas, CA 95035-6913
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

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