Trains for the BART station in Dublin-Pleasanton could be leaving Lathrop multiple times every day sometime next decade. 

While the specifics aren’t yet known, the rough details of the Valley Link train project, which will depart initially from River Islands  for the Dublin-Pleasanton BART station, will be discussed today at a meeting at the River Islands Fire Station – located at the corner of Somerston and River Islands Parkways – from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

The community workshop will give the public – particularly River Islands residents and area commuters that could be using the service frequently – the chance to share their concerns and have their questions answered as the project transitions from a concept to something far more tangible. 

With more than 11,000 homes planned for River Islands and a large amount of commercial and office property in the works, the master planned community has become popular with Bay Area transplants that appreciate the ease of access to nearby I-205 and the relatively affordable properties.  

Currently those wishing to get to the BART station in Dublin-Pleasanton from the ACE train must take a bus. The new route, when unveiled, will likely beat driving time during commute hours – a 73-minute trip from Lathrop to the station is what has been announced – and with 25,000 riders daily proposed by 2040, will represent a significant reduction in vehicle emissions. 

During peak hours, the trains are expected to run every 24 minutes in the Central Valley and every 12 minutes in the Tri-Valley area. During off-peak hours, the trains are expected to depart from Lathrop every hour. 

For additional information about the project, visit https://www.valleylinkrail.com/project-concept. 

To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.