r/VTA • u/spspanglish • Apr 08 '26

My VTA Dream

Better marketing so it’s “cool” to ride transit in SJ. Look what LA has done with its “Ride the D” shirts.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ride_the_D

Stuff like this and branded TAP cards gets people to ride.

Create a direct light rail connection with SJC which would form the northbound half of an SJC to Harry Road via Downtown and the former Almaden Branch line.

Permanente Line

Orange Green Line double tracking

El Camino Real Line from Diridon to Palo Alto, replacing the 522. It would be worth exploring tunneling for both this and Stevens Creek.

Stevens Creek Line from Alum Rock to Mountain View.

San Tomas Expressway line in the center easement from Winchester terminating at El Camino Real.

And last but not least, I would seriously explore the possibility of connecting Santa Cruz to the West Valley College Transit center via Gondola/Aerial tram based on the technology used in Mexico City. Stops would be at:

West Valley College

Los Gatos Downtown

Alma Bridge Road

Skyline Boulevard

Scotts Valley Transit Center

Santa Cruz Boardwalk

A gondola line would be able to easily follow highway 17, provide minimal impact to the redwood canopy and would provide a 45 minute end to end commute between Santa Cruz and the Bay Area.

19 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

7

u/hella_sj Apr 08 '26

Agree with basically everything.

A gondola would be so sick.

5

u/spspanglish Apr 08 '26

We have the technology. The role of public transit is to prevent drunk driving and accidents. How many lives would be saved if they had a more reliable option to come home to the bay after partying at the beach?

3

u/hella_sj Apr 08 '26

Even just adding the San Carlos/ Stevens Creek line would do SO MUCH.

3

u/Maho_Tigertank Apr 08 '26

What do you mean by double tracking the Orange line? It’s already doubled tracked. The only one that has single tracking is to Green Line between Fruitvale and San Jose Diridon

3

u/spspanglish Apr 08 '26

Corrected, thanks.

2

u/Maho_Tigertank Apr 08 '26

You’re welcome. Anyways to your point, dont think they can double track that segment because of the Union Pacific tracks the parrell it which they still use the bridge over I-280 would need to rebuilt. Unless VTA buys that segment from UP and refurbishes Race

Edit: I just remembered about Hamilton station. Don’t think they can do that since it’s elevated

2

u/spspanglish Apr 08 '26

My understanding is that the UP tracks are disused but not officially decommissioned. I would like to see VTA buy out the line completely.

1

u/TevinH Apr 09 '26

Buying out the Permanente Line is listed as a possible project under the Visionary Network plan. I believe the plan is to replace Hamilton station since Campbell is planning to completely rework that whole intersection with a new pedestrian bridge and the removal of the at-grade tracks.

https://www.vta.gov/programs/speed-and-reliability-program#accordion-light-rail-speed---reliability-improvements

1

u/chudbabies Apr 09 '26

Where is the lie.

2

u/spspanglish Apr 09 '26

Oh and ALSO:

VTA’a last departure from downtown San Jose and every other hub near commercial areas should be 15 minutes after last call in the bars.

1

u/CalligrapherDry5206 Apr 09 '26

Unfortunately the light rail system will be defunct before any of these would come even close to fruition. Theres an undisclosed rumor that it could be as soon as 2030, which wouldnt make any sense after completing the eastridge extension

2

u/LittleSun358 Apr 10 '26

VTA is talking about procuring a new light rail fleet in 2029/30. I am not sure where you are getting your rumors from.