Downtown San Jose Light Rail Realignment

Light rail traveling through downtown San Jose dorridor

Project Overview

The maximum speed of the VTA light rail is up to 55 mph, but VTA achieves this on only a few select portions of its system. Due to the urban landscape and various conditions, the maximum speed for a majority of the light rail system falls well below that. 

The slowest segment of VTA's light rail system is in downtown San Jose, where the maximum speed is 10 mph, but the average speed is significantly lower. 

The proposed Downtown San Jose Light Rail Realignment project aims to enhance safety and increase maximum operating speeds by consolidating the light rail into a...

Light rail traveling through downtown San Jose dorridor

Project Overview

The maximum speed of the VTA light rail is up to 55 mph, but VTA achieves this on only a few select portions of its system. Due to the urban landscape and various conditions, the maximum speed for a majority of the light rail system falls well below that. 

The slowest segment of VTA's light rail system is in downtown San Jose, where the maximum speed is 10 mph, but the average speed is significantly lower. 

The proposed Downtown San Jose Light Rail Realignment project aims to enhance safety and increase maximum operating speeds by consolidating the light rail into a two-track corridor on First Street.  
 

Proposed Project Design 

Rendering of existing condition and proposed design for light rail realignment.

Community Outreach

The proposed project will require the redesign of both First Street and Second Street. Below are community engagement opportunities to provide your feedback on what enhancements you value most and learn more about the project. 

Community Hosted/Pop-Up Events

August 5, 2025, 4 p.m. | National Night Out: St. James Neighborhood Association, Hillbrook School Parking Lot, 227 N. First St., San Jose

August 31, 2025, 12 p.m. | Silicon Valley PRIDE, Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park, 1 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose

September 7, 2025, 10 a.m. | VivaCalle SJ, Rose Garden Activity Hub (City of San Jose Booth)

Community Meetings

September 25, 2025, 6 p.m. | VTA Strategic Plan Open House - Registration Coming Soon!

September 30, 2025, 6 p.m. | Virtual Community Meeting - Registration Coming Soon! 

How to Reach Us

For more information on this project, please call VTA’s Community Outreach at (408) 321-7575, (TTY) 408-321-2330, or community.outreach@vta.org.

Timeline

Title
Public Input
Phase Date Range
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Title
Alternatives Analysis
Phase Date Range
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Title
Environmental Clearance
Phase Date Range
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