SAN JOSE, Calif. — After four years of talks, Union Pacific Railroad has agreed to sell its land through East San Jose upon which Bay Area Rapid Transit trains may someday run, according to the San Jose Mercury News.
The Valley Transportation Authority announced that it had purchased the 15-mile section from Paseo Padre Parkway in Fremont to William Street for $80 million, using money given to the agency by Gov. Gray Davis two years ago.
Union Pacific will retain rights to run freight trains along that corridor, but on separate tracks.
Santa Clara County voters approved a 30-year, half-cent sales tax extension two years ago to pay for construction. But Davis set aside $725 million to purchase the right of way and help with construction costs.