Santa Clara VTA targets return of light-rail service by end of July

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) has released plans to phase in the return of light-rail service.

“We know our light-rail passengers are eager to see the trains running again. We are too. Our multi-phase plan is now underway with expectations to resume light-rail service by the end of July, although no firm date can be set at this time,” the authority wrote in an online posting.

The first phase is currently underway with the move to successive phases dependent on the completion of the previous phase. The full plan includes:

* Phase 1: (currently underway) Outreaching to Guadalupe employees and identifying immediate/interim work locations.

* Phase 2: Moving and onboarding critical staff entails fit for duty evaluations and set up of immediate work locations.

* Phases 3-5 involve continued onboarding of staff, infrastructure repairs and a "soft opening" in non-revenue service before being fully operational. Trains will operate in non-revenue service prior to service restoration and Way Power & Signal staff will check out their new work location and visually inspect the line rather than start actual inspections or repairs.

“Each successfully completed phase is critical to provide a strong foundation for the next phase. We will keep the public updated on completion of phases,” explained the authority. ............(more)

https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/article/21229904/santa-clara-vta-targets-return-of-lightrail-service-by-end-of-july