In December 1999, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) began operations on the Tasman West light rail line. This line extends through Sunnyvale along Tasman Drive, Fair Oaks Avenue, Java Drive, Mathilda Avenue, and Moffett Park Drive. Construction of the light rail facilities necessitated the installation and re-configuration of a number of City-owned facilities. Also, completion of the line instituted the need for clarification of roles and responsibilities for the operation and maintenance of the new facilities. An operations and maintenance agreement has been negotiated by City and VTA staff and authorized for execution by the VTA Board of Directors. Staff is recommending that the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute this Operations and Maintenance Agreement on behalf of the City.

City staff have been integrally involved with the VTA in designing the Tasman West project and defining operations and maintenance responsibilities. The City has invested substantial time with the VTA in defining responsibilities and acceptable service levels for the light rail line. Some special cases like traffic signal operations, overhead wire aesthetics, and tree removal/preservation have involved unique and extensive contributions of City and VTA staff. Construction completion issues also necessitated continuing negotiation and resolution. The resulting agreement establishes responsibilities, protocols, and service levels for the broad spectrum of facilities and operations created by the Tasman West project. This agreement represents the culmination of a large inter-agency effort to design and construct one agency’s facility through the jurisdiction of another with a minimum of disruption and conflict.

The Tasman West Light Rail Transit Project has proved to be a unique and considerable capital undertaking in the City. Staff continues to strive for a facility that brings optimal benefits to the citizens of Sunnyvale and enhances the transportation system.

None. The cost of operating and maintaining new City-owned facilities constructed by the Tasman West project has been absorbed by existing operating programs.

Posting of the Council agenda. Reports to Council are also available at the City Library and the City’s Web Site.

Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute the Tasman West Light Rail Line Operations and Maintenance Agreement. The City Attorney’s office has reviewed this agreement as well and recommends its execution.

Prepared by: 

Jack Witthaus

Transportation and Traffic Manager

Reviewed by: 

Marvin A. Rose

Director of Public Works

Approved by:

Robert S. LaSala

City Manager

1. Tasman West Light Rail Transit Project Operations and Maintenance Agreement