Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Tasman East and Capitol Light Rail Extension Projects open for service?
The opening is scheduled for summer 2004.

I see light rail vehicles going down the tracks. Why can't passengers ride these trains before then?
VTA staff performs extensive testing and training on the newly constructed project before it opens. Testing includes checking for clearance at station platforms, interaction between train and traffic signals, tests on the overhead catenary system that delivers power to the LRVs, and the communications system. LRV operators will start their training on the new extension after these tests are completed.

When does testing and training take place?
Pedestrians, motorists and others should expect testing and training to occur at all hours of the day and night. All VTA operators need to be fully familiar with the new line before it opens later this year.

Trains will be running on irregular schedules and may not stop at stations during the testing and training phase. Trains may also be running in either direction on either track. For safety reasons, the station platforms will be closed to the public until regular service begins.

Much of the Tasman East/Capitol Light Rail Extension Project appears to be complete. Why not open the Great Mall/Main Station before work is completed further down the line?
In addition to the Tasman extension being finished several months ahead of Capitol, and full system testing and training being necessary, several other factors are involved.

VTA will be rerouting a number of bus lines so they better connect with the new light rail lines. Making two routing and schedule changes within a short period of time is both inconvenient to passengers and more costly to implement.

Community meetings will be held in February to receive public input on the proposed route changes. For more information, please call VTA Community Outreach at (408) 321-7575, TDD for the hearing impaired (408) 321-2330.

Will there be connections with VTA Bus Lines?
Yes, VTA Light Rail and Bus service will connect at each station.

Who will be responsible for cleaning graffiti at light rail stations?
VTA will be responsible for removing graffiti at the project's Park & Ride lots, stations, and other facilities. VTA's practice is to respond within 48 hours of notification. To report graffiti on VTA property, call VTA Customer Service at (408) 321-2300, TDD for the hearing impaired (408) 321-2330. Or, log on to www.vta.org.

VTA also works closely with the Cities of Milpitas and San Jose to combat graffiti. To report graffiti in San Jose call (408) 277-2758. In Milpitas call (408) 586-3079.

How often will trains be going by?
The current headway (time between trains) is 15 minutes during the day and early evening, with longer headways at night. The operating schedule will be announced closer to the opening date.

When will the Capitol extension from Alum Rock to Eastridge Mall be built?
This project is currently under study as part of the Downtown East Valley Transit Improvement Plan. For more information, please visit www.dtev-vta.org or call VTA Community Outreach at (408) 321-7575, TDD for the hearing impaired (408) 321-2330.

Will there be a connection between VTA Light Rail and BART?
Tasman East/Capitol Light Rail will connect to the future BART Extension to Milpitas, San Jose and Santa Clara at the proposed Montague/Capitol BART Station (called Montague Station on the Tasman East alignment). Montague/Capitol will be a key intermodal station connecting BART with VTA Bus and Light Rail service. For more information about the BART Extension to Milpitas, San Jose and Santa Clara, please visit: www.vtabart-vta.org.

What time of day does construction take place?
General construction is Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. If required, lane closures on northbound Capitol begin after 9:00 a.m. In the southbound direction, lane closures can begin as early as 7:00 a.m. Contractors are generally expected to reopen lanes by 3:00 p.m., although sometimes the complexity of the work requires more lengthy closures. Little or no nighttime construction work is expected from now until the project is completed.

For more information...

For more information about this or other VTA capital projects, contact the VTA Community Outreach Hotline at (408) 321-7575, TDD for the hearing impaired at  (408) 321-2330.  Or email us at community.outreach@vta.org.