Watch CBS News

MTC Gives East San Jose Light Rail Project Low Priority

SAN JOSE (KCBS)— The proposed light-rail extension project in East San Jose has been given a low priority ranking by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.

In a ranking of which road and transit projects would get the most funding, the 2.3 mile Capitol Expressway Light Rail line extension is close to the bottom of the list.

President of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors Dave Cortese, who's also an MTC commissioner, called the rankings arbitrary and that it should be a higher priority.

KCBS' Mike Colgan Reports:

"It just doesn't make sense and you worry about whether this area is going to get its fair share of transportation money," Cortese said.

Cortese stressed that the downtown Eastridge line goes to what he called the number one transportation hub on the east side.

"The MTC continues to give BART a high ranking, but we've got to remember BART isn't the only need that we have down here," he added.

BART is ranked highest when it comes to the best return on investments according to the MTC.

He claimed the project is "shovel ready" and would create jobs immediately.

The MTC board is expected to vote on the plan early next year.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.