Bringing Access and Opportunity to Santa Clara County through BART Silicon Valley
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With the BART Silicon Valley Phase II Extension Project (BSVII), Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) leads a transformative program that unites and empowers the community it serves, fulfilling the vision of “ringing the bay” with high-quality, green transit.
Supported by strong local, state, and federal commitments, the project prioritizes equitable access, including affordable housing, quality transit, and inclusive neighborhoods, while connecting South Bay residents to millions of jobs and generating 75,000 diverse job opportunities. VTA’s vision is one of inclusion and progress, leaving a lasting legacy for Santa Clara County and the greater Bay Area.
Transforming Communities through Transit
VTA’s BART Silicon Valley Phase II is a six-mile, four-station extension of the regional BART system from Berryessa/North San José Station, serving 55,000 weekday riders. The extension will traverse from east San José through downtown San José to the City of Santa Clara, providing riders with a fast and convenient transit alternative, while enhancing connections to other regional transit services.
This extension will support mobility for transit dependent populations, increase access to employment centers and opportunities, and stimulate economic development in Silicon Valley. Around stations, the project will help foster vibrant, pedestrian-friendly, transit-oriented communities that nurture neighborhood identities and support local businesses and microenterprises.
Project Benefits
Completion of BSVII will connect Santa Clara County with the larger BART system, providing easy connections from the South Bay to areas in the North Bay served by BART and Caltrain.
The extension is fully separated from all auto, bicycle and pedestrian travel. This boosts the BART system’s efficiency by reducing delays and enhancing reliability. For a typical 50-mile commute in the Bay Area, taking BART will save riders an average of 30 minutes as opposed to driving.
Sustain and Grow Silicon Valley Economy
For every $1 invested in the project, it results in $5 of economic growth being generated for Santa Clara County, providing a strong economic return on investment for job creation and economic activity.
By helping to improve transit connections for both employees and employers, the project will expand employment opportunities for 2 million people in Santa Clara County by providing access to 3.5 million Bay Area jobs.
Delivering Equitable Transit Access
The project aims to enhance public transportation access in East San Jose, improving connectivity for non-car households and ensuring easier access to healthcare and education.
By offering reliable transit to healthcare facilities and supporting the academic missions of San Jose State and Santa Clara University with low-cost transit options, the project fosters a more connected community and provides new opportunities for residents.
Affordable Housing for Diverse Workforce
The project reflects VTA’s dedication to affordable housing and the creation of inclusive, vibrant communities around transit stations, planning for up to 60 million sq. ft. of new commercial and residential development near the four new stations.
It also includes the principles of Transit-Oriented Communities, which promote accessible, sustainable living with a focus on affordable housing, a diverse workforce, and equitable access, ensuring economic growth and improved transit connections.
Clean, Green Transit Alternative to Major Congested Commute Corridors
The project will reduce traffic congestion and delays by providing a practical alternative to driving, thereby reducing the number of cars on the road and the stress it places on individuals and the environment.
Recent studies shows that the project will provide the reduction of 56.4 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by reducing 50 tons of CO2 and 19,500 tons of Green House Gas emissions. This helps improve air quality and prevent further climate change.
Learn more about the project, including construction updates, project transparency, and community activity, by visiting the BART Silicon Valley Phase II Extension Project Microsite.