Showing posts with label transportation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label transportation. Show all posts

Friday, April 25, 2025

San Jose’s Urban Village Vision: 474 New Affordable Homes on South Bascom Avenue

As part of San Jose’s Urban Village plan, a new development promises to transform a sleepy lot into a lively, walkable hub where with easy access to public transportation. The Urban Village plan anchors San Jose’s 2040 Envision Plan, targeting areas like the South Bascom site for a bold shift toward medium to high-density growth. It’s all about crafting neighborhoods where daily life doesn’t hinge on a car.

Crafted by b9 Architects, this project at 1099 South Bascom Avenue will deliver 474 affordable housing units, a major win for accessibility. The design leans hard into sustainable living, offering just 191 parking spaces but a generous 457 bike stalls. It’s a clear nod to a future where pedals outpace pistons. The site, currently home to a Round Table Pizza and a vacant storefront once occupied by Kelly-Moore Paints, will shed its underused past for a vibrant new chapter. The developer is even pursuing a density bonus to pack in more units, amplifying the project’s reach.

This isn’t a standalone effort—San Jose is riding a wave of transformation. Across Santa Clara County, underutilized parcels are morphing into large affordable housing developments, and South Bascom Avenue is a standout in this trend. By embracing the Urban Village model, San Jose is sculpting a city that’s sustainable, dynamic, and open to all.

Source: SF YIMBY



Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Waymo is Finally Coming to San Jose

Big news for San Jose: Waymo, the innovative robotaxi company spun off from Google, is gearing up to bring its driverless ride-hailing service to town. The company has applied for final approval to operate across nearly all of San Jose, along with nearby areas like Campbell, Cupertino, and Los Gatos. This expansion has the enthusiastic backing of Mayor Matt Mahan and former mayor turned Congressman Sam Liccardo, who both see it as a game-changer for our community.

The San Jose metro is on the cusp of hosting some massive global events in 2026, like the FIFA World Cup and Super Bowl 60. With Waymo’s autonomous vehicles rolling through our streets, we’re poised to offer safe, reliable, and cutting-edge transportation options for residents, workers, and visitors alike. Every time I take a Waymo is seems to get better and better.

Downtown San Jose stands to gain a lot from this move too. The San Jose Downtown Association is all in, pointing out how Waymo can breathe new life into our city’s core. By bridging that tricky last-mile gap between transit stations and key spots like restaurants, offices, and entertainment venues, these driverless cars could help draw more people back to Downtown (especially if they become far cheaper than Uber/Lyft). It’s an exciting step toward making our urban center more accessible and vibrant, especially after the challenges of the past few years.

Safety is another huge plus. With human error behind most vehicle-crash deaths, autonomous technology offers a promising way to make our roads safer. Waymo’s track record and recent support from leaders across the Bay Area show that this isn’t just a futuristic dream; it’s a practical solution taking root right now. Plus, with Waymo already expanding down the Peninsula and eyeing service at San Francisco International Airport, San Jose is joining a region-wide wave of progress.

This is more than just a new way to get around—it’s a chance for San Jose to lead the way in transportation innovation. It won't eliminate public transit but compliment it. My last Waymo was to get from Caltrain to my final destination in SF, and I can see that use case providing even more value to San Joseans going to areas with limited (or no) transit options.


Sunday, April 13, 2025

San Jose Takes Another Step Forward with Airport Connector Project

The City Council unanimously approved the next phase of the San Jose Airport Connector Project, a visionary plan to link Diridon Station with San Jose Mineta International Airport. Stations are tentatively planned for SJC Terminal A, Terminal B, Long-term Parking, the Coleman San Jose Market Center, SAP, and Diridon. This isn’t just a win for commuters—it’s a signal that San Jose is serious about redefining urban transportation with innovation and sustainability at its core.

The star of this initiative is Glydways’ technology: autonomous, electric vehicles—called “Glydcars”—that glide along dedicated guideways. These sleek, zero-emission pods promise on-demand, point-to-point service, cutting out the hassle of fixed schedules. Whether you’re racing to catch a flight or heading to Downtown San Jose for a meeting, this system is designed to get you there fast, with a capacity to move thousands of passengers per hour.

Of course, a project this ambitious doesn’t come without questions. Cost and feasibility are hot topics, and rightfully so. But the City Council’s green light for Phase 2a shows they’re not diving in blindly. This phase will dig into the nitty-gritty—ridership forecasts, revenue models, and community feedback—to ensure the project pencils out. It’s a smart, deliberate approach that balances bold vision with real-world pragmatism, setting the stage for a system that’s both groundbreaking and grounded in San Jose’s needs.

What’s really thrilling is the potential ripple effect. If this initial stretch succeeds, the Airport Connector could expand across the South Bay, weaving a network of high-tech transit options that elevate the entire region. Imagine a future where getting around San Jose is as effortless as it is eco-friendly—a future where our city leads the charge in sustainable mobility. This project isn’t just about connecting two points; it’s about connecting San Jose to a bigger vision of what a modern city can be.



Sunday, March 30, 2025

San Jose’s Future: A Boring Company Loop to Beat Traffic?

After a painful VTA strike earlier this month that left many that rely on public transit stranded and the realization that BART phase 2 is going to cost $13+ billion and take over a decade, perhaps it is time to start putting some eggs into other long-term transportation options. I'm thinking one in particular that could be a fraction of the cost and deployed in a couple of years.

Imagine skipping San Jose’s traffic jams entirely—zipping from the airport to Downtown in minutes. That’s the promise of a Boring Company Loop, an underground transportation system already working in Las Vegas and coming soon to Dubai. Picture autonomous vehicles whisking you through tunnels, fast and eco-friendly. It could be a game-changer at the right cost structure.

Picture linking the airport, tech campuses, and hotspots like Santana Row and SAP with point-to-point rapid transportation, at a similar cost per user as BART if not less. It could also connect to existing transit hubs to act as a "last-mile" solution.

This fits San Jose’s DNA. We’re a tech hub, a place that embraces the future. A cutting-edge, sustainable Loop screams innovation—putting us on the map as a smart, green metropolis.

It's a long shot, but I would love to see at least a pilot, perhaps starting with linking SJC to Downtown San Jose and Santana Row/Valley Fair.




Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Waymo’s Arrival in San Jose: A Glimpse into the Future of Transportation

San Jose is charging toward an electrifying future, and the latest jolt of excitement comes with Waymo’s driverless cars hitting our streets! This groundbreaking move is set to transform how we navigate San Jose and beyond, blending cutting-edge technology with the city’s spirit of innovation. With Waymo’s fleet now approved to operate here, we’re on the cusp of a transportation revolution that promises safer roads, and smoother commutes.

According to NBC Bay Area, Waymo has received approval to expand its driverless car service to San Jose and San Francisco International Airport, marking a significant step forward for the autonomous vehicle company. This isn’t just a win for Waymo—it’s a game-changer for San Jose. Fewer traffic jams clogging up our arteries, a drop in accidents thanks to precision driving, and a ride as easy as summoning an app are all within reach. Plus, with this tech landing here, San Jose is cementing its spot as a magnet for forward-thinkers and thrill-seekers alike.

But hold on—Waymo isn’t cruising solo. Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology is accelerating fast, and their robotaxis are revving up to join the race later this year. This friendly rivalry could spark a surge of innovation, pushing both companies to deliver top-notch services and maybe even friendlier fares. For us, that means more choices, greener streets, and a front-row seat to the future of travel.

What’s even more exciting is how this fits San Jose’s big-picture vision. We’re not just a city—we’re a smart city, a global hub where ideas ignite and industries thrive. Waymo and Tesla rolling into town amplify that reputation, drawing tech talent, bold businesses, and curious visitors eager to experience a place where tomorrow happens today.

The last Waymo I took in SF (earlier this month)