Plans for Capitol LRT did briefly consider a Capitol/Guadalupe connector track, though nothing was formally approved on that. It would be a good feature, but it didn’t seem that important for this map, because with VTA’s funding priorities, who knows if we’ll even see this line at all? Still, since you’ve made the request, I’ll try to remember to include it in a future version.

I still think the biggest LRT-related missed opportunity in San Jose is not so much further extensions into sprawl, but postponing LRT on Santa Clara-Alum Rock, which is one of the more urban areas in San Jose, could actually use the upgrade, and would be useful operationally.

Two missed opportunities. First, VTA’s Capitol Expressway extension shouldn’t end under Hwy 87, but should turn south (via tunnel or narrow, single-track right of way) along 87 to Ohlone-Chynoweth Station, then continue to the Almaden station on what is now a too-short, single-car shuttle.

Second, I drive 85 to get through or around San Jose, and while I am no fan of transit running down freeway medians,* it’s too bad VTA didn’t think to build a line west from Ohlone-Chynoweth to Los Gatos – they’d have been there 10-15 years earlier than the Vasona line, and while it wouldn’t have given as direct a connection to downtown, it would have provided a useful cross-valley link (much as 85 does for drivers), and it would now make a fine transit loop. Would of course be harder to retrofit now, but tougher lines have been squeezed into place (i.e. San Diego’s elevated Mission Valley line along I-8).

*There was a brief golden age of the Guadalupe Light Rail line when the tracks were in operation but the freeway had not yet been built, so the rail line provided a unique link and the stations were peaceful.

You know that VTA already said the SJC people mover isn’t going to happen, right?

Good job Eric! =)

It’s wonderful to have you “back.” And the map is positively mesmerizing.

I’m aware that there are many layout changes afoot for the SC/SJ area, that you’ve mentioned. I should note briefly that the purpose of including planned/proposed extensions in the first place wasn’t ever to be a complete documentation of future track changes (though I suppose it could be). I figured most people would probably be interested in infill stations and brand-new lines, so I sort of decided at some point to leave out double tracking type projects, and hopefully to still keep the map legible. These are obviously still important projects though, so they’ll probably be added in later. Likelihood to be built actually wasn’t really a factor, because yes, you’re definitely right — on that basis, projects like adding the fourth CC mainline track should be included. And who knows if we’ll ever see Alum Rock LRT during my lifetime, at this rate. Incidentally, these types of changes are what I had in mind when I noted that in the post that details may be added in the future. They might just get added when they’re built, maybe sooner, since they’re easy enough to add. That said, I probably won’t bother to fix Cahill till that’s done :)

As for the VTA downtown track detail: thank you. The little segment of track you’re referring to I had actually originally inserted, but the program I’m using is a bit unstable, and it keeps losing bits of track I’ve added, often just a line or two here or there (sometimes way more though, unfortunately), and then I don’t notice the minor omissions till much later. That is actually why I’ve already uploaded 4 separate versions in the past 24 hrs, I keep noticing little bits that went missing. Thank you for pointing out that missing connection, I will fix it later today and upload a new version, and then add a comment here when the update is posted.