Presentation Outline
Overview of VTA Light Rail System
Typical Sections of Existing System
Rail System Safety Review Board
Current Focus Areas
Next Steps
VTA Background
VTA recently celebrated its 20-year anniversary for introduction of light rail in San Jose VTA operates 42 total miles of light rail in several cities
The VTA system includes 62 light rail stations and 21 park & ride lots
The current VTA system is the product of a series of light rail extensions
Light Rail System
Guadalupe North Line– Opened in 1987– Median running alignment
in residential and commercial areas
– Semi-exclusive right-of-way
Downtown Transit Mall– Opened in 1989– Downtown pedestrian mall– Shared right-of-way
Light Rail System
Guadalupe South Line– Opened in 1992– Median running alignment
along State Routes 87 and 85– Exclusive right-of-way
Tasman West– Opened in December 1999– Median and side running in
residential and commercial areas– Semi-exclusive and
exclusive right-of-way
Light Rail System
Tasman East/Capitol– Opened in June 2004– Median running alignment in
residential and commercial areas– Includes 7,000 feet long aerial
structure– Exclusive and semi-exclusive r/w
Vasona– Opened in October 2005– Median and side running
residential and commercial– Includes tunnel at Diridon– Exclusive and semi-
exclusive right- of-way
Future Extension- Light Rail System
Capitol Expressway Light Rail– 3-mile extension
along Capitol Expressway (three stations & transit center)
– Transitions current 8-lane expressway to 6-lane multi-modal boulevard
– Aerial structure with POC at elevated Station
Median Running – Semi Exclusive– Header wall between track and roadway– At-grade crossings at intersections with traffic signal
control– LRT priority for traffic operations
Typical Sections
Typical Sections
Downtown Pedestrian Mall – Non Exclusive (shared)– Mixed LRT and pedestrian traffic– Dedicated auto and bus lanes adjacent to light rail– At-grade light rail crossings with traffic signals at intersections– Low speed light rail operations
Freeway Median - Exclusive– Continuous concrete barrier and fence between light rail
and automobiles– Train signaling for light rail operations (ABS)– Grade separated crossings for automobiles and pedestrians
Typical Sections
Aerial Structure and Tunnel - Exclusive– Grade separated crossings for automobiles and
pedestrians– Train signaling for light rail operations (ABS)
Typical Sections
Typical Sections
Side Running – Exclusive– Crossing gates and flashers at intersections– Fence barrier between traffic and light rail– At grade crossings with LRT priority for traffic signals– Train signals for light rail operations (ABS)
VTA Safety Review Board
Rail System Safety Review Board (RSSRB)
• Reviews and approves safety issues related to light rail
• Includes VTA staff members from all departments
• CPUC staff participates in RSSRB meetings
• Responsible to monitor safety of the system
• Identifies opportunities to enhance safety
Focus Areas
VTA has been evaluating intersections based on number and type of incidents.
Two main areas of focus to enhance system safety:
Left turn incident
Track intrusion
Analysis
Conducted Analysis• Formed work group • Obtained incident reports and records• Reviewed witness statements• Visited incident locations
Developed Findings• Identified primary cause of incidents• Searched for common links between incidents• Proposed recommendations
Findings
Left Turn Incidents• Incidents mainly from drivers from local area• However, caused from drivers lack of attention
Track Intrusion• Driver not distinguish track from roadway• Track flush with road• Drivers did not notice low track curb
Recommendations
Left Turn Incidents• Relocation of limit lines• Install signage “ Stop Here on Red” • Enhance pavement marking• Public education and operators training
Track Intrusion• Install bollards (markers) with reflective striping and markers• Install bright reflective signage• Public education and operators training
Mitigation Examples
Karina Court/First Street • Relocate limit lines• Install pavement marking• Replace active train approaching sign with two flashing messages.• Install signage and modify traffic loops
Mitigation Examples
First Street/Tasman Drive • Clearly delineate ROW, installing bollards and painting curb• Install striping• Install signage
Next Steps
• Complete design
• Coordinate with CPUC and jurisdictions
• Construct improvements
• Monitor intersections after construction