Advocacy Backed by VTA - Strategies for Transportation that Advance Santa Clara...
The BART Silicon Valley Phase II Extension Project, led by the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), is set to revolutionise transportation in Santa Clara County, extending Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) services further into downtown San José and Santa Clara. This project is part of a broader effort to enhance transportation options and reduce congestion in the region.
## Key Features and Benefits
The project extends BART service approximately six miles into downtown San José and Santa Clara, featuring about a 5-mile subway with three underground stations at 28th Street and Little Portugal, Downtown San José, and the Diridon station. It also includes one ground-level station in Santa Clara, a train yard, and a maintenance facility.
The extension is designed to alleviate traffic congestion by providing a more efficient and sustainable transportation option, aligning with state and regional goals for congestion relief. It is expected to foster economic vitality by connecting key commercial and residential areas, enhancing accessibility and mobility for residents and businesses.
The project supports community development by providing better access to employment, education, and entertainment venues, which can lead to increased economic activity and improved quality of life. For every $1 invested in the project, it is estimated to generate $5 of economic growth for Santa Clara County.
## Construction Approach
Given the urban setting, the project employs a tunnel boring machine (TBM) for the construction of a 5-mile tunnel, minimising disruptions in the bustling commercial areas of San José by avoiding traditional cut-and-cover methods.
## Sustainable Living and Transit-Oriented Communities
VTA's commitment to sustainable living is evident in the project, with a focus on accessible, sustainable living, and a clean, green transit alternative. The extension is fully separated from all auto, bicycle, and pedestrian travel, boosting BART's efficiency and reliability.
The project also promotes Transit-Oriented Communities, which focus on affordable housing, a diverse workforce, and equitable access, ensuring economic growth and improved transit connections. VTA's dedication to affordable housing is reflected in the project, planning for up to 60 million sq. ft. of new commercial and residential development near the four new stations.
## Economic Impact and Employment Opportunities
The BART Silicon Valley Phase II Extension Project aims to expand employment opportunities for 2 million people in Santa Clara County by providing access to 3.5 million Bay Area jobs. It is expected to serve 55,000 weekday riders, traversing from east San Jose through downtown San Jose to the City of Santa Clara.
The project is expected to reduce 56.4 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT), resulting in a reduction of 50 tons of CO2 and 19,500 tons of Green House Gas emissions.
The BART Silicon Valley Phase II Extension Project promises to significantly enhance mobility, support economic growth, and improve the quality of life for residents in Santa Clara County and the broader Bay Area.
The BART Silicon Valley Phase II Extension Project, due to its transit-oriented design, aims to foster economic growth by connecting key commercial and residential areas, generating an estimated $5 of economic growth for every $1 invested. This project also aligns with state and regional goals for congestion relief, as it includes transportation options in the finance industry, like Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), to alleviate traffic congestion and extend services into public-transit areas such as downtown San José and Santa Clara.
