Planning

Alternatives Analysis

A BART extension was selected as the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) following completion of the Major Investment Study (MIS)/Alternatives Analysis (MIS/AA) in November 2001. The study evaluated 11 alternatives for the Silicon Valley Rapid Transit Corridor, representing various modes of travel including express bus, bus rapid transit, commuter rail, diesel and electric light rail, and BART. The LPA was chosen after an extensive review process, including technical analysis, 12 public meetings, and more than 15 Community Working Group meetings.

When compared with the other alternatives, the BART Alternative offered:

• Fastest travel times to passenger destinations
• Highest ridership projections
• Greatest congestion relief
• Best access to jobs, education, medical, retail and entertainment centers throughout the Bay Area
• Regional connectivity with no transfers to the BART system
• Opportunities for transit-oriented development in conjunction with local land use planning efforts.

Station Area Planning

Station area planning for the new BART stations is an important element of the project. VTA is working with the cities and stakeholders to develop transit-supportive station campuses, access, circulation, and land uses in the station areas that would increase transit ridership, create vibrant communities, ease the housing shortage, and promote multi-modal access to and from BART stations.

VTA has partnered with the cities of San Jose and Santa Clara to develop a specific plan for the proposed BART Santa Clara station area. The Santa Clara Station Area Plan proposes a new mixed-use urban center surrounding the Santa Clara Transit Center, which is projected to be one of the busiest multi-modal transit stations in the Bay Area by 2030, serving VTA bus lines, Caltrain, Altamont Commuter Express (ACE), and future BART, as well as an Automated People Mover system that would connect to the San Jose Norman Y. Mineta International Airport.

The City of Milpitas has adopted a specific plan for the area surrounding the proposed BART Milpitas Station. The Milpitas Transit Sub Area Specific Plan, as adopted by the Milpitas City Council, would create mixed land uses near two VTA LRT stations and the future Milpitas BART station at Montague Expressway and Piper Drive.

Station area land use plans are guided, in part by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) Regional Transit Expansion Program policy, Resolution 3434, which includes provisions for transit-oriented development within a half-mile radius of transit stations.

Station area planning continues for all stations.  Public involvement is an essential element of the station area planning process. If you are interested in obtaining further information, please e-mail vtabart@vta.org or call VTA-BART Outreach at (408) 934-2662 or TDD for the hearing impaired at (408) 321-2330.