Council backs further study of Diridon‑to‑SJC connector; requests investment‑grade ridership and funding work
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Summary
After hours of public comment and debate, the council unanimously approved a scaled, data‑driven Phase 2A to refine ridership forecasts, evaluate technologies with VTA, and pursue external funding for the Diridon‑to‑Mineta airport connector.
San Jose’s City Council voted unanimously March 25 to authorize staff to advance a scoped “Phase 2A” study on the proposed Diridon Station–San Jose Mineta International Airport connector, directing the city to refine ridership forecasts, study alternative technologies with the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), and seek non‑city funding for next stages.
Public testimony at the session included roughly two dozen proponents from construction unions, project partners and the San Jose Diridon Airport Commission as well as opponents urging prioritization of other transit investments and VTA labor questions. Connection Partners’ Plenary Americas and Glideways — vendors on the project team — said moving into Phase 2A would provide more detailed answers on capital costs, ridership and technology performance; Elliot Jamieson of Plenary said, "advancing to the next phase is not a commitment to implement the project or construct the project."
Why it matters: the project aims to link the regional rail hub at Diridon with SJC by a dedicated automated guideway using a new vehicle technology; staff’s Phase 1 report estimated conceptual construction costs of roughly $600 million for a base alignment and up to about $800–$821 million for an inter‑terminal loop, with a preliminary revenue and subsidy analysis.
Council members said they want an “investment‑grade” ridership study, greater clarity on airport growth assumptions and confirmation that proponents will secure major external funding before city capital commitments are made; Councilmember Mulcahy moved a group memo that asks for a rigorous ridership study and explicit coordination with VTA.
Council action: council approved negotiation of a pre‑development amendment to move into a refined Phase 2A, and asked staff to seek VTA and federal/state grant funding where possible; the vote was unanimous.
