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Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) has launched an initiative to improve access to River Oaks Station, a popular stop on the Blue and Green light rail lines. The River Oaks Station Access Study is now underway, aiming to enhance multi-modal connections and improve safety for people walking, biking, or using transit near the station and surrounding neighborhoods.
The study will analyze how people currently use the station and identify opportunities to improve bicycle connectivity, pedestrian access, signage, and overall station circulation. Recommendations may include new or upgraded sidewalks and bike lanes, wayfinding signs, traffic calming measures, and enhancements to transit amenities like bus shelters, lighting, and seating.
The goal is to develop a comprehensive list of improvements, with cost estimates, that can be implemented as funding becomes available. The study focuses on a half-mile radius around the station, which includes residential neighborhoods, business parks, and the nearby Guadalupe River Trail.
Community Input Encouraged
VTA is calling on community members to provide feedback on how they use River Oaks Station and what improvements would best support their travel needs. Do you walk, bike, or drive to the station? What safety or accessibility issues do you face?
Public input is a key aspect of the study, and residents are encouraged to complete an online survey, which is open through September 6, 2025. The online survey and tabling event details can be found on the River Oaks Station Transit-Oriented Development webpage.
Supporting a Transit-Oriented Future
The station access study is part of a broader vision under VTA’s Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Program, which aims to create vibrant, walkable communities near transit hubs. The program promotes affordable housing, reduces car dependency, supports climate goals, and generates revenue to reinvest in transit services.
River Oaks Station is one of three active TOD sites released in 2025, alongside Great Mall Station in Milpitas and Hostetter Station in San José. The River Oaks site, located at the intersection of North First Street and River Oaks Parkway, spans 18 acres and is home to VTA’s headquarters and a Park & Ride lot. The site is designated for future development that could include housing, retail, and open spaces, all centered around access to transit and the river trail.
The activation of the River Oaks site for transit-oriented development will also enable VTA to relocate its headquarters to 488 South Almaden Blvd. in downtown San José. The building was purchased earlier this year through the sale of bonds, which will also be applied to facility improvements at all VTA Divisions throughout Santa Clara County.
An economic analysis of the site indicates that the TOD could generate up to $1 billion in revenue over the duration of the ground lease, providing long-term, reliable funding for VTA’s transit services.
VTA’s holistic approach to station access and TOD ensures that public transit remains a cornerstone of sustainable growth across Santa Clara County.
For more on the River Oaks Station TOD Project, vta.org/projects/river-oaks-station-transit-oriented-development