Project Overview
The maximum speed of the VTA light rail is up to 55 mph, but VTA achieves this on only a few select portions of its system. Due to the urban landscape and various conditions, the maximum speed for a majority of the light rail system falls well below that.
The slowest segment of VTA's light rail system is in downtown San Jose, where the maximum speed is 10 mph, but the average speed is significantly lower.
The proposed Downtown San Jose Light Rail Realignment project aims to enhance safety and increase maximum operating speeds by consolidating the light rail into a...
Project Overview
The maximum speed of the VTA light rail is up to 55 mph, but VTA achieves this on only a few select portions of its system. Due to the urban landscape and various conditions, the maximum speed for a majority of the light rail system falls well below that.
The slowest segment of VTA's light rail system is in downtown San Jose, where the maximum speed is 10 mph, but the average speed is significantly lower.
The proposed Downtown San Jose Light Rail Realignment project aims to enhance safety and increase maximum operating speeds by consolidating the light rail into a two-track corridor on First Street.
Proposed Project Design: First Street Corridor
Community Outreach
The proposed project will require the redesign of both First Street and Second Street. Below are community engagement opportunities to provide your feedback to the project team on what enhancements you value most and learn more about the project.
Community Hosted/Pop-Up Events
August 5, 2025, 4 p.m. | National Night Out: St. James Neighborhood Association, Hillbrook School Parking Lot, 227 N. First St., San Jose
August 8, 2025, 5 p.m. | San Jose Jazz Festival, Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park, 1 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose
August 30, 2025, 12 p.m. | Silicon Valley PRIDE, Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park, 1 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose
September 7, 2025, 10 a.m. | VivaCalle SJ, Rose Garden Activity Hub (City of San Jose Booth)
Community/Stakeholder Meetings
September 23, 2025, 10 a.m. | Business Stakeholder Meeting #1 - Register on Eventbrite
September 25, 2025, 6 p.m. | VTA Strategic Plan Open House - Register on Eventbrite
September 30, 2025, 6 p.m. | Virtual Community Meeting - Register on Eventbrite
October 7, 2025, 5 p.m. | Business Stakeholder Meeting #2 - Register on Eventbrite
How to Reach Us
For more information on this project, please call VTA’s Community Outreach at (408) 321-7575, (TTY) 408-321-2330, or community.outreach@vta.org.
Timeline
Title
Public Input
Phase Date Range
-
Title
Alternatives Analysis
Phase Date Range
-
Title
Environmental Clearance
Phase Date Range
-
Downtown San Jose Light Rail Realignment Survey
Upcoming Meetings
Map
