Light Rail System Analysis

Systemwide Capital Improvements

The following improvements are recommended to improve systemwide performance and speed. These improvements can happen at any time and will provide benefits to the system regardless of the service plan in effect.

• Grade separation of North First and Montague (LRT bridge over Montague)
• Fencing on North First (allows trains to increase to 45 mph)
• Pocket track at Ohlone/Chynoweth (timed transfers during night/weekend)
• Train signal improvements (improved reliability)
• New Great America station (improved connection to commuter rail)

Making Light Rail More User Friendly

The following recommendations are intended to make the LRT system more user-friendly and more competitive with auto travel.

• Continue the EcoPass program with employers/institutions
• Implement real-time information services for riders (via cell phones, internet, and station signage)
• Create a “how to ride light rail” section on the web site
• Revisit the intermodal (to/from bus) transfer policy
• Improve signage inside the vehicles so that riders know what line they are on
• Routes should use colors and all references to the lines should use colors (today they are sometimes referred to by number and sometimes by color)
• Signage at the stations should indicate where 1- and 2-car trains will stop so that passengers will know where to stand as they wait for the train
• Improve signage to facilitate transfers throughout the system (i.e. prominent wayfinding signage at SJC and transit centers)
• Accept credit/debit cards in ticket vending machines
• Maintain cleanliness of the system (VTA does a good job of this today)

What’s Next

VTA’s Board of Directors adopted the Improvement Program in May 2010 and VTA is currently working to make the study vision a reality.

• VTA  is taking steps to speed up light rail operations, be more responsive to travelers, and prepare for growth in Santa Clara County. VTA’s Light Rail Transit Efficiency Project combines physical improvements, operational efficiencies, traffic management, street design, and new services to fulfill the potential of the public investment in Light Rail Transit (LRT).
• As a test of the Express service concept, in October 2010 VTA introduced a small number of new Santa Teresa-Alum Rock trains. These trains were an addition to the service that runs today (no trips had been eliminated or modified) and gave riders a new travel choice. This test provided valuable operational and rider feedback for VTA to consider as it moves towards providing the full Phase I plan.
• Staff incorporated the required capital projects from Phase I and Phase II into the agency’s next Short Range Transit Plan. This was the first step in securing funding for the capital improvements, which must happen before the operational improvements.
• VTA staff is working closely with city staff from both Santa Clara and San Jose regarding their stadium proposals and how they impact the light rail system.
• Depending on the agency’s fiscal condition, VTA hopes to be able to implement Phase I within the next several years. Phase I may require some minor capital improvements but the principal obstacle in implementing phase I will be identifying where the additional operating cost will come from.
• VTA will work closely with staff from the High Speed Rail Authority to initiate planning and design activities for Phase II improvements in Mountain View.
• Long Term: VTA will add the Phase II and independent capital projects to the agency’s long and short range plans, as well as the regional long range plan. VTA will actively pursue funds to complete these important projects.

For more information or to provide feedback

For more information about this study, or to share your thoughts about the LRT system, contact Community.outreach@vta.org or call 408-321-7575.

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