This year was significant for many of VTA’s projects and programs. From initial planning to groundbreaking construction and even ribbon-cutting, community members have been with us every step of the way. As 2024 comes to a close, we want to recognize everyone who played a part in some of these transformational projects.

Although the public knows the agency primarily for its transit service, VTA works on all modes of transportation as Santa Clara County’s transportation agency. This includes but is not limited to, designing and building transit facilities, transit-oriented development, planning for congestion management, highway improvements, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, and more. Below is a look at a handful of significant accomplishments in 2024:

• With Levi’s Stadium hosting mega-events such as Superbowl LX and the FIFA World Cup in 2026, VTA continued its ongoing light rail rehabilitation program throughout the spring, summer, and fall. This includes installing a new crossover at Champion light rail station and replacing over 2,000 wood ties and 2,000 tons of ballast at 12 light rail stations.

• In May, VTA launched the first-of-its-kind Transit-Oriented Communities Grant Program to help develop vibrant communities and placemaking events near public transit by funding local public agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations. In total, 14 recipients were awarded grants during the inaugural award event.

• In June, we broke ground on the Eastridge to BART Regional Connector. This project will add a 2.4-mile light rail extension from the existing Alum Rock Transit Center to the Eastridge Transit Center and provide greater connectivity for community members in East San Jose to the regional transit system.

• Also in June, VTA began outreach as part of its annual draft service plan process, which featured frequency improvements for four key routes. Feedback from the community helped lead to the revised plan approved by the VTA Board in October.

• In August, VTA’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee members were among the first to use a new separated crossing as VTA celebrated the completion of the US 101/De la Cruz Blvd/Trimble Rd Interchange Improvement Project. The project, which improves traffic and enhances vehicle safety while enhancing mobility and safety for bicyclists and pedestrians traveling across the interchange, was recently named Outstanding Roadway and Highway Project of the Year by the San Francisco Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

• In the fall, VTA began major outreach efforts for the Speed & Reliability Program that will roll into 2025. A comprehensive effort to enhance speed and reliability throughout its transit system, these initial steps are the first movement toward making VTA’s Visionary Network a reality.

Helping to spread awareness, gather input, and discuss all these initiatives is VTA’s Community Outreach & Public Engagement (COPE) team. From hosting community meetings and workshops, tabling at community events, and creating opportunities for feedback, such as focus groups, the COPE team had more than 150 touchpoints with the community this year. We appreciate everyone who gave their time and perspective on these occasions. Public participation is vital in helping the agency build better community-focused, innovative, environmentally responsible transportation options and promote our region's vitality.

What’s next? Although this year was filled with achievements, things aren’t slowing down soon. VTA has a lot of activity and new projects and programs for 2025. To stay informed on upcoming engagement opportunities, subscribe to our project lists or visit the Community Outreach web page for frequent updates.