Politics & Government

VTA Starts Work on First of Three Planned Bus Rapid Ttransit Projects

The 7.2 mile-long Santa Clara-Alum Rock BRT line will connect East San Jose to downtown San Jose with 11 stations along the way.

By Bay City News
 
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority officials will launch construction Friday on what they are calling the first Bus Rapid Transit project in the Bay Area.

The 7.2 mile-long Santa Clara-Alum Rock BRT line will connect East San Jose to downtown with 11 stations along Capitol Expressway, Alum Rock Avenue and Santa Clara Street, according to VTA officials.

The BRT line will offer faster travel times, with buses running at 10 minute intervals on a dedicated lane on Alum Rock east of 34th Street.

Passengers will board at all doors and traffic signal priority will hold green lights longer for approaching buses, officials said.

"This upgraded transit service will enhance the economic viability, visual identity and the pedestrian and business environment of the corridor," said Ash Kalra, the VTA board chair and a San Jose city councilmember.

The BRT project is the first of three planned for Santa Clara County.

The ground breaking celebration will take place at the School of Arts and Culture at the Mexican Heritage Plaza in San Jose at 2 p.m.

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