Downtown Light Rail Alignment Study

 Introduction
 Background
 Study Area and Alternatives

Introduction

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), in conjunction with the City of San Jose, the Redevelopment Agency of the City of San Jose, and San Jose State University, is evaluating several alignment alternatives in Downtown San Jose for a future light rail connection to the proposed Civic Plaza and to other area development projects.

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Background

The Downtown Light Rail Alignment Study orignally evolved from a need and the City's desire to provide improved transit to the proposed Civic Plaza and other proposed developments in downtown San Jose. While it was an independent study, it was closely coordinated with both the Vasona Light Rail Project and the Downtown/East Valley Major Investment Study (MIS). On August 3, 2000 the VTA Board of Directors approved a preferred investment strategy for the Downtown/East Valley MIS. The adopted strategy included Light Rail along Santa Clara Street. Thus, the purpose of the Downtown Light Rail Alignment Study was refocused to ensure not only a connection to the new Civic Plaza, but a continuation of Light Rail to the East along Santa Clara Street.

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Study Area and Alternatives

The Downtown Light Rail Alignment Study area is bounded by Delmas Avenue to the west, Santa Clara Street to the north, San Carlos Street to the south, and 10th Street to the east. There are six different alignment alternatives, each one transitioning from either the existing Guadalupe Light Rail or the Vasona extension. The project alternatives being considered include:

Alternative 1: No - Build

Alternative 2: Enhanced Bus Service

Alternative 3: 1st and 2nd Streets

Alternative 4: 3rd Street

Alternative 5: 4th Street

Alternative 6: 3rd and 4th Streets

Alternative 7: San Fernando Street

Alternative 8: Santa Clara Street

View larger image of map of study area

Alternative 1 (No Build Alternative) has been developed to provide a standard comparison to the other Light Rail alternatives and an Enhanced Bus Service Alternative. Alternative 2 (Enhanced Bus Service Alternative) looks at enhancing bus service and bus facilities in the study corridor, instead of adding Light Rail. It was used to compare to the Light Rail alternatives. The same elements of the Enhanced Bus Alternative were also included in the Light Rail alternatives. Preliminary recommendations will be made in September, 2000.

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