Question of the Week: Should we get BART here?

The IJ ran a fascinating story yesterday about why Marin never got a BART connection 50 years ago when the system was built. I -- like many people -- had always assumed we had voted on it and we just didn't want it. Not In My Backyard, I figured.

But, not so.

Turns out, we never got a chance to vote on it because of all the politicking. This made me incredibly curious how San Anselmo and Fairfax residents would vote on a possible BART connection. How do we get to the city right now? Would BART relieve the terrible congestion on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard? Or, would it bring in more development? A 1990 study said a BART extension to Marin would cost $3 billion. Is that too much money? Should an extension come all the way into San Anselmo or as far as Fairfax? Or just extend down the highway?

Our incredibly scientific Patch poll conducted at Memorial Park this morning suggests that a $3 billion BART extension would pass overwhelmingly if we voted on it now.

Here's what they had to say:

Andre Demian, San Anselmo resident, grad student in sports psychology:

That's a complicated question. Yes or no? It's a closed question. What would be the effect of having BART in Marin? There'd be a beneficial impact for commuting. However, we have very entrenched political interests in this county that I don't think would let that happen.

Yes, I'd probably vote for it.

Angela Ballard, Fairfax, writer:

I think it would be great if we had BART. Traffic-wise I think it would have a positive effect. I would go into the city more often. And my kids love to take the bus, so, as a mom, I would definitely take it.

Yes, I'd vote for it. We always say we're environmentally-friendly. It's a little hypocritical not to vote for BART.

John DuPerry, Sausalito, owner of Createch Studios in San Anselmo:

I don't go into the city unless we absolutely have to. BART should absolutely be up the 101-corridor. 

I'd vote for it. Public transportation is absolutely necessary.

Tyler Higgins, San Anselmo, owner of Createch Studios in San Anselmo:

No, I don't think we should have BART at all. Where would we put it? Drive to Larkspur and take the ferry. I try not to go into the city.

No, I wouldn't vote for it.

Eric Masterson, Sonoma County, police officer:

I don't know about BART this far off the freeway. And I would need to see the feasibility studies if they wanted to go across the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. I don't think it's feasible across the Golden Gate Bridge; that was my understanding of the studies they did for SMART. It it was that'd be awesome. The only other hang-up would be adequate bus lines from the major drop-off points.

Yes, I'd vote for anything to reduce congestion, but I'd need to see if it's economically-feasibly or if you're talking about a $900 trip.