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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Vasona Light Rail Project scheduled to be complete? The initial phase of the Vasona Light Rail Project to San Jose Diridon Station opened on July 29, 2005. The schedule for opening the remainder of the line to the Winchester Station in Campbell is scheduled for the Fall of 2005. The schedule for the extension from the Winchester Station to Vasona Junction in Los Gatos, is dependent upon available funding. Return No, although VTA did advance the opening of the segment to San Jose Diridon Station so as to provide service to the San Jose Grand Prix event, and a Caltrain connection for Guadalupe Light Rail patrons. Return Yes, VTA Light Rail and Bus service will connect at most Vasona stations when the line opens in Fall 2005. Return The Vasona line will carry passengers through downtown San Jose, North San Jose and into Mountain View. Passengers wishing to travel to South San Jose can transfer at the Convention Center Station to the Alum Rock to Santa Teresa Light Rail line. Passengers wishing to travel to the Barryessa area or through to Alum rock can transfer trains at any station from Convention Center to the Tasman and board a Stata Teresa to Alum Rock Light Rail train. Will there be any new housing developed around the stations? Yes, housing developments are underway or completed near the Return VTA will be responsible for removing graffiti on the project's soundwalls, stations, and other facilities. VTA's practice is to respond within forty-eight (48) hours of notification. Return Light rail is designed to serve many destinations within communities. In addition, there are some significant barriers to people walking to a station, such as crossing Bascom Avenue. By placing stations closer together, the number of barriers is reduced, making it easier to walk to the stations. Return Trains will cross intersections and other crossings every 15 minutes during the day (typically 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.) in each direction and less frequently (every half-hour to an hour) during early morning and late evening hours Return Weekday service will begin at the Winchester Station at 5:19am with train frequency every 15 minutes during peak commute times and 30 minutes during mid-day. The final train of the evening will leave at 10:52pm. Weekend and holiday service will begin from Winchester at 6:25am and continue at 30 minute intervals until the final train at 10:51pm. How noisy will the light rail trains be? Light rail trains are relatively quiet. They are much quieter than freight trains, and quieter than motor traffic on major thoroughfares such as Hamilton Avenue or Bascom Avenue. Return When built at street level, there will be noise from the warning bells required for the safety of pedestrians and vehicles. The existing freight line will continue to activate the gates and bells at the crossings as well. Crossings between the San Fernando Station and the Winchester Station will be equipped with railroad gates and bells. The volume of the bells is similar to the bells in the existing railroad corridor, as mandated by State regulations. Return Yes, VTA works closely with the cities of San Jose and Campbell to coordinate the gates and signal systems. VTA has received traffic data and performed "level of service" studies for the intersections that cross the Vasona Light Rail line that will assist in coordinating traffic movements. Adjustments will be made as we experience actual operations when the Vasona line opens. Return On an average, about 38 seconds depending on conditions such as train speeds and the roadway width at the crossing. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) sets minimum times for how long the crossing gates are down. The bells begin a minimum 20 seconds before a train arrives. The gates begin their descent three to five seconds following the bells. The train takes five seconds or more to pass through the crossing and the gates go up within five seconds after the train passes. Return The existing freight track was in poor condition, so VTA rebuilt it. Freight service will continue to run at grade (street level). Light rail trains will only use the light rail tracks. Return A light rail bridge over Highway 17 has been constructed alongside the existing freight railroad bridge. Return The Bascom Station and Winchester Station are Park and Ride Stations. 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.
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Last Updated: May 12, 2008