VTA’s 42.2-mile light rail line is one of the longest to be built in the U.S. in 50 years. Service started on the line in December 1987. The initial nine-mile segment from Santa Clara through downtown San Jose was completed in June 1988. Service to the Tamien Station (Alma Avenue), two miles south of downtown, began in August 1990. The entire 20.8-mile line was completed in April 1991.
In December 1999, VTA opened the 7.6-mile Tasman West line, connecting Mountain View with existing Light Rail service. The Tasman East Extension followed in two phases. Phase I, Baypointe Transfer Station to I-880/Milpitas Station, was completed in May 2001. Phase II, I-880/Milpitas Station to Hostetter Station, was completed in June 2004, in conjunction with the Capitol Light Rail Extension south of Hostetter to Alum Rock Station. The Vasona Extension from Downtown San Jose to Winchester Transit Center opened October 1, 2005.
Hours of Operation: VTA Light Rail service is offered seven-days a week, 365 days a year. Light Rail operates on 15, 30 and 60 minute frequencies depending on time of day from 4:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. on the Alum Rock–Santa Teresa Line and 5 a.m. to 12 midnight on the Mountain View–Winchester Line. For a complete listing of service hours and frequency, check current schedules.
Fares: A valid ticket is required to ride VTA’s Light Rail system. Ticket vending machines are located at each station. Fare inspectors may ask to see a valid ticket or pass.
Connections: Light rail service connects with VTA buses at all stations. Light rail also connects with Caltrain at the Tamien and Downtown Mountain View stations. Light rail connects to Altamont Commuter Express (ACE) and Capitol Corridor Intercity Rail Service at Lick Mill Station.
Fleet: VTA currently operates 99 light rail vehicles (Length: 90 feet; Weight: 97,000 pounds) and four Historic Trolleys.
Bicycles: Light rail vehicles are equipped with bike racks in the center section of each car. Every vehicle can accommodate up to four bicycles.
Capital Cost: 42.2-mile light rail line: $1.6 billion; 100 Low-floor vehicles: $297 million
Capacity per car: 66 seated and 105 standing (maximum capacity 171), which can operate singly or in trains of up to three cars.
Speed: Maximum speed in freeway median: 55 m.p.h.; Downtown Center Plaza: 10 m.p.h.
Points of Interest: VTA Light Rail serves nearly every major hotel in San Jose; two convention centers; Paramount’s Great America Theme Park, Moffett Field, the Tech Museum of Innovation, Children’s Discovery Museum, San Jose Museum of Art; the Great Mall of the Bay Area, government buildings and numerous high technology companies.
Stations/Parking: There are 62 stations. Free lighted parking for 6,471 cars at 21 Park & Ride lots along the light rail line. More than 250 spots at many Park & Ride lots are now designated for Airport Long-Term Parking for up to seven days! Airport Long-Term parking spots are available at all light rail Park & Ride lots except River Oaks, Moffett Park, Whisman, Downtown Mountain View, Great Mall/Main, Hostetter, Penetencia and Alum Rock.
VTA Mission: VTA provides sustainable, accessible, community-focused transportation options that are innovative, environmentally responsible, and promote the vitality of our region.
Information courtesy of San Jose VTA: http://www.vta.org/news/factsheets/bus_lightrail_trolly_information/lightrail_overview.pdf