At-grade light rail has a hard time safely and efficiently traversing Downtown San Jose on Second Street. A new pilot project will look to improve the situation.
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority trains traveling through San Jose have some of the slowest travel speeds of any light rail system in the country. Trolleys travel 7.5 miles per hour in downtown, with a maximum speed of 10 miles per hour.
"Now the Valley Transportation Authority is launching a $900,000, six-month pilot project to speed up the trains and erect barriers to funnel pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers to certain areas for crossing," reports Gary Richards.
The pilot project will take place on Second Street between San Fernando and San Carlos. "The VTA will test railings and street lights to delineate the sidewalk from the track," according to Richards. "The railings will have breaks for driveways and the Paseo de San Antonio crossing. The agency will also include crosswalk improvements and better warning signals for vehicles entering and exiting the Pavilion Garage."
Speeding up the trains aren't the only potential benefit of the pilot project. VTA trains have been in 125 incidents with automobiles, pedestrians, and people in bikes in the past eight years—so the project is expected to improve traffic safety as well.
FULL STORY: Slow trains in downtown San Jose may speed up
Light Rail Service Restored in South Bay Area
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) will start running trains again today, two weeks after shutting down service.
Financial Woes at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority
A $25 million operating deficit will inspire some soul searching, and structural changes.
Silicon Valley's Beleaguered Transit System Getting an Overhaul
Strapped for cash and faced with rapidly declining ridership, the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is reorganizing its service in the hopes of stopping the bleeding.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions