Santa Clara VTA, Google partner on transportation study

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) and Google Inc. have entered into a cooperative agreement to conceptually study a range of transportation options aimed at better connecting the North Bayshore area in Mountain View, Calif., with nearby public transit networks.

The study will include an analysis of possible mass transit connections to the North Bayshore area, such as a light-rail connection from the NASA/Bayshore station or a new bridge crossings over Stevens Creek, VTA officials said in a press release.

VTA and Google will also explore "the development and/or application of new technologies," according to the release.

The two will come up with a set of near-, mid- and long-term recommendations for further study.

"The North Bayshore area has the potential to be a world class example of mixed-use and corporate enterprise," said Mountain View Mayor John McAlister. "It is exciting to see Google working with the Valley Transportation Authority and the city of Mountain View to make sure that footprint will be sensitive to our environment."

In the coming years, the North Bayshore area is expected to add thousands of new jobs, along with the development of retail spaces and residential units, VTA officials said.