Two new SPUR white papers offer recommendations for an easier-to-use transit map and the implementation of coordinated regional fares.

SPUR recommend that local boards and partner agencies at Diridon Station use the lens of user experience to evaluate the proposed elements and scenarios for the spatial configuration of this multimodal hub. User experience is critical to whether people will embrace the station — be it to take a transit trip, meet with friends in the station area, or live or work in San Jose.

SPUR urges BART to participate in the Regional Means-based Transit Fare Discount Pilot Program. This program is aiming to make transit more affordable for people with low-incomes. In our letter, we offer suggestions to guide BART’s participation in the program.

The impacts of fare integration are not well understood. In the absence of real information, fear and assumptions are driving the decision to maintain the status quo approach to fare policy. SPUR recommends the Clipper Executive Board allocate funding for a business case to assess options, costs and benefits for regional fare integration.

SPUR commend Caltrain for taking on questions about how it should be organized to deliver services effectively as part of the business plan. In this letter SPUR outlines four goals for Caltrain's future service delivery and governance models and provides best practices about how rail networks are delivered and managed in other countries.

SPUR supports a Rail Corridor Plan for San José and Inter-Agency Agreement and provides recommendations to help develop the Rail Corridor Plan's scope of work and the Inter-Agency Agreement. This effort can further promote collaboration in developing a seamless and integrated rail network across the Bay Area and Northern California Megaregion.