Big Win for San José Transit – Airport Connector Project Moves Forward

A bold initiative to link Silicon Valley’s transportation and employment centers using a public private partnership (P3) model and innovative transit systems passed a key milestone this week when the San Jose City Council voted unanimously to advance the San José Mineta Airport Connector Project. The Bay Area Council was proud to testify in support of this visionary project, as it represents a critical investment in our region’s infrastructure, mobility, and economic competitiveness. The Council was an early leader in developing P3 models and has been a strong proponent for using them to build public infrastructure faster and more affordably.

The Airport Connector, which will link to Diridon Station in downtown San Jose, is the first route in what is intended to be a larger system of high-quality, fast, frequent, and reliable new transit serving the South Bay. San Jose, with partners VTA and neighboring jurisdictions, is looking for ways to more quickly and cheaply add new transit systems in the South Bay.

Council member company and transit technology leader Glydways will provide the small, autonomous, zero-emission vehicles for the project that will drive along a fixed guideway. The proposed system is designed to initially carry over 2,000 passengers an hour in each direction. Council member companies HNTB and Webcor Builders are also partners in the project.

Beyond improving transit, this project will modernize SJC and further establish San José as a leader in transportation innovation. Visitors arriving at the airport will immediately experience the forward-thinking spirit of our region. We’re thrilled to see this project move forward and will continue advocating for its success.