San Bruno B.A.R.T.

  S.F. AIRPORT--After years of mudslinging, both literal and political, BART rolled its first test train into the new airport station Monday, signaling that the massive $1.5 billion SFO extension is nearly finished.

  The train carried some high-powered commuters who have had a hand in making the 30-year-old vision of BART-to-SFO a reality. including Congressman Tom Lantos, County and San Francisco officials, and BART's top brass.

  The trip showcased progress on the 8.7-mile line, which BART officials said is 97 percent finished and is tentatively scheduled to open in January.

  "This is truly a profound addition to the quality of our lives," Lantos said echoing the sentiments of many at the event.

  Lantos helped secure the federal government's pledge of $750 million for the project. The balance is being paid for with local and state funds.

  After a BART safety officer showed the politicians how to use a respirator in case anything went wrong on the maiden voyage, the officials piled on the train like rush-hour commuters. They rode one stop, between the San Bruno station and SFO.

  Despite the short hop, most said the ride was smooth and they were impressed with the progress on the project, which has burrowed under graveyards, tiptoed over the habitat of endangered garter snakes, and withstood numerous political assaults.

  "Finally there is light at the end of the BART tunnel," quipped Tom Ammiano, a San Francisco Supervisor.

  Other than dusty platforms, a few missing signs and some cosmetic touches, the stations and track appeared ready to handle the 70,000 riders a day expected to use the line by 2010.

  At the SFO station, an art installation of thousands of small metal discs in a stairwell fluttered with the breeze, creating a dazzling, ever-changing light display. Between San Bruno and SFO, the trains bridged Highway 101 as cars whizzed below and 747s took off in the distance.

  When it opens, the extension will add four new stations south of Colma: South San Francisco, San Bruno, SFO and Millbrae. Millbrae will be an intermodal station where commuters can connect to Caltrain and SamTrans bus lines.

  >From the SFO station, commuters will be able to reach about half of the airport ticket counters in less than five minutes. Directly above the SFO station, travelers can connect with the airport's new people-mover, AirTrain, which will speed to terminals, parking garages and other locations.

  Airport officials said Monday AirTrain should open in September.

  BART officials say the extension will also have a dramatic impact on the County's congested highways: it will remove 3.6 million car trips a year.

  As BART glided into the SFO station, County Supervisor Jerry Hill turned to Supervisor Mike Nevin. Both have spent the better part of their political careers working on bringing the BART extension to the County.

  "You know, I never thought we would see this day," Hill said with a smile.