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BART board picks Franklin to head agency
Pleasanton's McPartland chosen as vice-president

by Jeb Bing

Bob Franklin, who worked for BART for six years in its finance and planning departments, has been chosen as president of the agency's board of directors for 2011, became the first former BART employee to serve in that top position.

At the same time, board member John McPartland was selected as vice president. McPartland's district includes Pleasanton, Dublin, Livermore, Sunol, San Ramon, and parts of Castro Valley, Hayward, and Danville.

Franklin represents District 3, which covers Kensington, Piedmont, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, and portions of Berkeley, Oakland, Hayward, and Castro Valley. He was elected to the nine-member board in 2004.

After recognizing the work of outgoing board president James Fang, Franklin outlined his priorities for the upcoming year, including replacing the system's aging fleet of train cars, improving community relations and fostering a positive relationship with employees.

"We have the oldest fleet for an agency of our type, with cars that average 30 years old," Franklin said, adding that by the time the cars are replaced, the average age will be 51 years old.