Traffic & Mass Transportation

By Forrest Williams

Traffic congestion is a problem that affects us all. The more time we spend in our cars, driving to and from work, the less time we have to spend with our families and friends. In addition to traffic congestion, the potential dangers of speeding and running stop signs are present on every neighborhood street. We need to work to ensure that we can make our traffic flow smoother in the city and move safer through our neighborhoods.

1. BART to San Jose More commuters travel to Santa Clara County than any other county in the Bay Area. The majority of our commuters come from Alameda County--causing virtual parking lots on many of San Jose's highways. We must develop a timely and affordable plan to extend BART service to San Jose and link up with the VTA Light Rail system, or other commuter rail systems, in order to ease congestion on San Jose freeways. In the long term, we should look at bringing full BART service into downtown San Jose, connecting with other major transit links such as the Light Rail system, CalTrain, the Altamont Commuter Express, and the San Jose International Airport.

2. Measure A&B transportation projects In 1996, Santa Clara County voters approved a ˝ cent sales tax to fund new mass transit and road improvement projects that provide regional solutions to traffic and gridlock. It is necessary to support the work of the Board of Supervisors and the Valley Transportation Authority to construct the Measure B projects, including: ˇ Fremont/South Bay rail connector ˇ Tasman East, Capitol and Vasona Light Rail system extensions ˇ CalTrain station upgrades and rail & power infrastructure improvements widening highways 17, 87 and 101 in key locations ˇ completion of critical interchanges on highways 85, 101, 87, 237 and 880 ˇ the implementation of the Bicycle Plan ˇ the Traffic Signal Synchronization System

3. Expanding Highway 101 ˇ Widening 101 from Burnett Road in Morgan Hill to Bernal Road in San José from 4 lanes to 6 (HOV lanes)--adding a shoulder on 101 to adapt for a 4th lane in the future

4. Interchange improvements--Highway 101 ˇ Adding a connector ramp from southbound Highway 85 to northbound Highway 101 ˇ Adding a connector ramp from northbound Highway 85 to southbound Highway 101

5. Expansion of Route 87 Highway 87 is essential to connecting many District 2 residents to their jobs. Currently, Highway 87 is four lanes wide, with construction beginning to expand it to six lanes. We should ensure that this vital traffic improvement is completed on time and under budget. Route 87's expansion is expected to be completed by 2002.

6. Airport Traffic Mitigation Navigating the streets and highways near the airport is a daily nightmare for some commuters and a burden for every airport user. As the use of the airport increases, we must ensure that effective traffic mitigation measures are taken. Some of these projects should include: ˇ expanding Highway 87 from four lanes to six ˇ elevating Highway 87 over Airport parkway, allowing for a smoother flow of traffic past the Airport ˇ upgrading the Coleman/880 interchange ˇ building a split-level terminal driveway for arrivals and departures (based on a model similar to San Francisco International Airport) ˇ connecting an automated people mover between the airport and the Newhall Cal Train station and Light Rail

Concrete Suggestions for Neighborhood Traffic

1. Clearer road signage and markings We need to make sure stop signs and speed limit signs are clearly visible, and not blocked by trees or shrubbery. In problem areas, we should work with neighbors to use alternative measures to slow down traffic and make sure motorists see stop signs. Roadway signs, marking and striping should also be regularly checked for visibility, and improved in problem areas. Graffiti should be removed from signs immediately.

2. Higher fines for traffic violations near schools, parks and senior centers In those areas with especially vulnerable populations, like seniors and children, we should double traffic fines for violations. Santa Teresa High School is a great example of how a congested residential street, with traffic law violators, can be an unsafe environment for parents, children, and other drivers. We should develop a "no tolerance" policy towards breaking traffic laws near schools, neighborhood centers, parks, and senior centers. We should also have aggressive enforcement of these laws in the affected areas.

3. Expansion of Smart Intersections The City has a system of electronically monitored intersections, known as "Smart Intersections." By design, these intersections are able to monitor traffic, and move cars quickly through them to maintain a steady flow of traffic. We should work to expand Smart Intersections to every major intersection in District 2.

4. Cameras at Major Intersections to catch Red Light Runners There is an alarming increase in the number of drivers who knowingly fail to stop at red lights. Instead, drivers are running red lights to save time. The results are increased accidents and accident-related deaths. Installing cameras at major intersections will allow the police department to catch these dangerous and careless drivers.

5. Re-route Industrial and Commercial Traffic away from Residential Streets Working with businesses, delivery firms, and affected neighborhoods, we should change delivery and driving patterns to minimize large vehicle traffic on residential streets.

Next Steps ˇ In cooperation with neighborhood groups, do a comprehensive survey of our most pressing residential traffic needs, and work with the city in addressing these problems.

ˇ Work to create an ordinance that implements a "zero tolerance" policy towards traffic violations near schools and senior centers.