As work to bring BART service and four new stations to Silicon Valley moves forward, VTA is entering a more robust collaborative phase on the biggest transportation infrastructure project in County history.

Over the next three months, VTA is working with Tunnel and Track contractor Kiewit Shea Traylor to explore and analyze innovations that could enhance the project and deliver this massive mass transit project in the most cost-effective way possible.

This three-month “innovation period” also provides an opportunity to review aspects of the current station designs and their connections to the tunnel. A task force of public and private transportation professionals was formed to identify potential station enhancements that could be supported as a result of some of the innovations being considered. A series of workshops will focus on specific aspects of station design. The goal of the workshops is to identify new ways to enhance access to the station entrances and their underground boarding platforms, and provide more direct connectivity for riders between other transit systems.

In addition, the workshops will address how to maximize the opportunity for high-density transit-oriented development, which could include housing, commercial and retail space near the stations.

“The innovations process can take an excellent project like BART Phase II to the next level, bringing added benefits to future passengers and the community,” said Carolyn Gonot, VTA General Manager/CEO.

Public feedback on these ideas will be crucial for VTA to build a regional transit extension that fits the community, serves the community, and makes a positive impact on the environment.

To learn more about the BART Phase II extension and participate in further engagement opportunities, please attend upcoming summer outreach events, including the “Community Social” on Saturday, August 27th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the VTA Downtown San José Customer Service Center, and tabling pop-ups on the following dates:

• Mexican Heritage Plaza: Mercadito – Wednesday, July 27th 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
• Downtown San Jose Farmer’s Market – Wednesday, July 27th 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Details on additional community engagement events will be released when they’re available.

Read more about VTA’s BART Silicon Valley Extension here, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.