Highway 87 Commute (San Jose, Santa Clara: house, live, buses)

[sjsharks425]

What is the approximate travel time from highway 85 to downtown San Jose via highway 87 during the morning rush hour, and in the reverse direction during the evening rush hour?

In searching the internet for similar inquiries, I've found some very discouraging estimates. However, I have been monitoring Sig-Alert and Google Traffic, both of which show only light to moderate traffic. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

[sonarrat]

I drive 87 every day between Capitol Expressway and 101. The metering lights are the worst part; depending on where you get on 85, you could be sitting 5-10 minutes each way. But, it usually keeps traffic on the freeway itself moving all right. It's the 87/280 merge that's the real bummer. If you don't have to connect to 280, then it's not a bad commute. But it's sensitive since there are only 2 lanes plus an HOV lane..

[sjsharks425]

Thanks for your response. Any idea how the metering lights are at the Blossom Hill Road entrance onto 85 near Snell Avenue?

[sjsharks425]

Also, Light Rail seems to be an option. Would you recommend that instead?

[sonarrat]

Originally Posted by sjsharks425

Thanks for your response. Any idea how the metering lights are at the Blossom Hill Road entrance onto 85 near Snell Avenue?

I've never lived in that specific area, but I would recommend using the light-rail.. there's an express to downtown now that skips all the stops along 87. Very good alternative to sitting in the timing lights.

[vesperbelle]

In the morning, taking 87 to downtown during rush hour can take 30-45 minutes. Figure out when the traffic starts building from where you live. For example, I get onto 87 from Santa Teresa and if I leave my house at 7:15 then my commute to downtown would be 20 minutes. If I leave my house at 7:20 - 7:25 or later then my commute will take about 30 minutes or a little more. The best way for me was to take Almaden Expressway and enter onto 87 towards downtown.

In the evening, I'd say the commute time is about the same in the reverse direction. Leaving at 4:15-4:30 from downtown it should take about 15-20 minutes to get home. If you leave any later then it will take about 30 minutes.

[Jarkatmu]

Originally Posted by sjsharks425

Also, Light Rail seems to be an option. Would you recommend that instead?

Yes! There's a station at Blossom Hill Road & 85 and Snell & 85. The stations are in the median of 85 and have free parking that's never full. From these stations you can catch one of the 3 new "commuter express" trains that will get you from Blossom Hill to Santa Clara and 1st Streets (downtown) in 18 minutes or so. They also have free wi-fi. Alternatively, the regular service that makes all stops takes about 23 minutes between the same station pairs. The trains are reliable and usually always on time.

Here's the schedule. Non-express trains run every 15 minutes in either direction until late evenings when it drops to 30 minutes. There are 6 daily express trains. 3 northbound in the morning and 3 southbound in the evening. They are highlighted in yellow on the schedule. Note: Blossom Hill isn't a timepoint on the schedule, but all the trains stop there.

Light rail unfortunately doesn't work for many commutes in the Valley, but for you it's a competitive option! Additionally, check with your employer to see if they subsidize transit passes or participate in the EcoPass program.

[bigdumbgod]

Originally Posted by Jarkatmu

or participate in the EcoPass program.

This is good (my company does this). You end up with a free pass for all VTA buses and Light Rails all year round. Pretty handy at night and on weekends, for work or play.

[Freezer41]

the line to get onto 85 @ blossom always seems to be shorter in the eastbound direction