Funding is now complete for the Eastridge to Bart Regional Connector, (formerly Capitol Expressway Light Rail project) after California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin announced a $46 million state grant for the project. The last remaining piece of funding comes through California’s Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program.
“California, under Governor Newsom’s leadership, continues to make historic investments to expand and improve access to public transportation for the people of the state,” said Secretary Omishakin. “These investments will help kick-start new transit projects and put our state in a stronger position to compete for significant federal infrastructure funding to deliver even more mobility, safety, environmental and equity benefits.” The Secretary announced the funding at a press conference held at the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority’s (VTA) Eastridge Transit Center, the site of the project’s terminus, Monday, April 24.
The light rail extension will connect from the existing Alum Rock Light Rail Station to the Eastridge Transit Center, with an elevated guideway primarily in the center of Capitol Expressway. The extension will include an elevated station at Story Road and a street level station at the Eastridge Transit Center. When this project is complete, VTA riders will be able to board light rail at the Eastridge Transit Center and connect directly with BART at the Milpitas Station.
“This extension is long awaited, and thanks to strong community advocacy and input, VTA is gratified to receive the State of California’s support and confidence in VTA’s ability to deliver this game-changing mobility improvement for East San Jose,” said VTA General Manager/CEO Carolyn Gonot.
Santa Clara County 2000 Measure A accounts for the bulk of the funding for the $530 million dollar project. Funds from SB1, Regional Measure 3 are also being used.
“This project is about more than connecting transit—it connects people,” said San José Mayor Matt Mahan. “It bridges regional divides, enhances opportunity for transit-dependent residents and fulfills a promise to East Side neighbors two decades in the making.”
Santa Clara County Supervisor, and VTA Board Member Cindy Chavez has been working with state and regional advocates to ensure the East San Jose light rail extension gets the attention and funding this important project deserves.
“For more than 20 years, community leaders have worked tirelessly to see this project come to fruition,” said Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez who represents East San Jose. “Senator Dave Cortese and former County Supervisor Blanca Alvarado are two of those steadfast elected officials who never gave up on finding a way to bring light rail to East San Jose.”
California State Senator Dave Cortese (District 15) has been a champion of the light rail extension project since he represented East San Jose as a City Councilmember in the early 2000’s.
“When the voters approved funding the Eastridge Project Extension over two decades ago, our dream was to create quick, reliable public transit in East San Jose’s largest hub connecting people directly to BART and destinations throughout the Bay Area,” said Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose). “This light rail to BART connector will allow easy bicycle, pedestrian and park & ride options, cutting down on traffic and air pollution in some of San Jose’s lowest-income and most transit-dependent neighborhoods. It will also help the State of California reach its climate goals.”
Pre-construction activities are already underway on the alignment. A formal groundbreaking for major construction is scheduled for Spring 2024 with passenger service planned for 2029.
Click here for more information on the Eastridge to BART Regional Connector.