SUNNYVALE MULTI-MODAL TRANSIT STATION OPENS

SUNNYVALE, Calif. – A new multi-modal transit station will be officially opened today (Thursday, May 22) in Sunnyvale. The station will serve Caltrain, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) buses and area shuttles.

The Sunnyvale Multi-modal Transit Station incorporates a five-story, 400-car parking structure, a Caltrain ticket office, surface parking and a shuttle plaza. The station is located at 295 West Evelyn Ave., between Murphy and Mathilda, in Sunnyvale.

"Opening this new facility is an important step in Sunnyvale’s Downtown development, said Mayor Julia Miller. "The station provides a gateway to Sunnyvale’s shopping and entertainment center as well as providing important commuter access to Santa Clara County and the peninsula."

VTA Board chairperson Jane Kennedy echoed the importance of the new center. "Multi-modal transit centers are an important part of a balanced transportation network. They are the linking points that enable travelers to move between local and regional transit providers. The Sunnyvale Station will play a key role in the region’s transportation network."

County Supervisor Pete McHugh stressed the importance of building a usable transportation network. "Through the cooperation of the City of Sunnyvale, The County of Santa Clara, Caltrain, VTA and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, we were able to build this 1996 Measure B project. It is important that transit users have access to the transportation choices that best suit their needs, and stations like this help fill that need."

John McLemore, Caltrain Board Chair and MTC Commissioner, added that there are some very important benefits to projects such as this. "Urban gridlock has slowed our freeways and contributed to air pollution. Caltrain is dedicated to providing service that will mitigate these problems. The Baby Bullet, now under construction, will become a vital rail service that will attract new riders.

In addition to providing an accessible new multi-modal transit station, the Sunnyvale facility will also provide a contribution to cleaner air. Electric car charging stations have been incorporated into the design of the garage. To honor this element of the design, electric cars will be used to break the ribbon at today’s ceremonies.

The Sunnyvale Multi-modal Transit Station is a Santa Clara County 1996 Measure B project and was jointly funded by the City of Sunnyvale, County of Santa Clara, VTA, Caltrain and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. The project was begun in September 2001 and cost $11,400,000, $8.9 million of which was funded by 1996 Measure B.