The transit mall in downtown San Jose has no provision to separate the pedestrian from transit environments. Credit: Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA).

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is to launch a pilot project aimed at increasing safety near the light rail in downtown San Jose, California, by the end of the year.

The six-month long ‘Light Rail Safety and Speed Pilot Project in Downtown’ project is expected to pave the way for increasing the operating speeds of light rail in the area.

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VTA will install the pilot on Second Street between San Fernando and San Carlos.

The company, along with community stakeholders, has already completed an iterative process to identify appropriate enhancements, as well as confirm the design elements of the project in accordance with the requirements of the community, businesses and residents.

“VTA plans to use the findings of the project for the future improvements to be made along the transit mall.”

Due to be finalised soon, the design enhancements will include railings that will run the length of the pilot block with breaks for driveways and the Paseo de San Antonio crossing.

The railings are expected to demarcate the sidewalk from the trackway.

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In addition, wayfinding signage will be included, as part of the pilot, to help guide people to designated crossing areas.

VTA plans to use the findings of the project for the future improvements to be made along the transit mall.

Downtown San Jose is currently the slowest part of VTA’s light rail system, with an average of around 7.5mph of speed between stations.

The transit mall’s existing design has no provision to separate the pedestrian from transit environments, which may cause unpredictable intrusion of pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle into trackway of VTA.