by bryan | Oct 14, 2010 | News & Information, San Jose VTA Light Rail
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...
