Caltrain announced completion of San Jose Didron station improvements. Included are 2 additional platforms with 4 addiitional trqcks.Station used by Amtrak starlight, Amtrak Capitol corrridor, cal Train, ACE and a thru route for UP freight trains.
Diridon ... I guess that is a kiosk (???) at 65 Cahill St. in San Jose, CA ...
Forty years ago I saw a westbound (now northbound) Southern Pacific freight slowly pass on the west side of the San Jose stop for the then gray double-deck commuter cars. According to the below aerial link, things definitely look different than they did forty years ago for sure, with what appears to be a light rail trolley line on the west side that curves under the platforms and heads east a bit south of the curving under the platforms.
Diridon Aerial
Does anybody know if security suspiciously points AK47's at everyone (but especially visitors) and demand tickets?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- K.P.’s absolute “theorem” from early, early childhood that he has seen over and over and over again: Those that CAUSE a problem in the first place will act the most violently if questioned or exposed.
K. P. Harrier Diridon ... I guess that is a kiosk (???) at 65 Cahill St. in San Jose, CA ... Forty years ago I saw a westbound (now northbound) Southern Pacific freight slowly pass on the west side of the San Jose stop for the then gray double-deck commuter cars. According to the below aerial link, things definitely look different than they did forty years ago for sure, with what appears to be a light rail trolley line on the west side that curves under the platforms and heads east a bit south of the curving under the platforms. Diridon Aerial Does anybody know if security suspiciously points AK47's at everyone (but especially visitors) and demand tickets?
KP several comments on the aerial photo.
1. Suspect it was taken near noon time on a Saturday because of number of autos in parking lot. Weekdays all lots completely full.
2. That is the light rail linee curving under the north end of the station tracks. Transit took 2 tracks of caltrain at a time out of service to build underpass.
3. Cleared area between platforms and light rail. That area was originally cramped Caltrain maintenance facility that has been moved a couple miles north. now that is where 4 tracks and 2 platforms were added. station passenger tunnel was extended to light rail line then --- ?? -- with my understanding that the passenger tunnel now connects to new parking.
4. last time I was there eastern most track ( next to station on right) was used for thru UP freights and Coast starlight . Coast Starlight uses eastern most track so passengers do not have to use pass tunnel and can walk straight out of station onto train..
Blue Streak 1 (3-11):
Reference your comment about suspecting the aerial was shot on a Saturday when commuter parking lots would not be as full ...
It has been my experience that commuter train parking has much to be desired. Here in Southern California, I had a whim one day to ride Metrolink (on the San Bernardino to Los Angeles line). Because I could not find a parking space, I passed. Money lost for Metrolink!
Then months later, I saw (and later photographed on Christmas Day 2010) a new Metrolink parking structure being built there! Fantastic!
It seems that structure is a little space skimpy, but at least it was an improvement over nothing!
I hope the officials up north in the Bay Area realize without parking spaces people DO give up ...
Anyway, this thread of yours brought back memories of years ago. Man, I need to get back up there ...
Best,
K.P.
Tracks from east to west are now numbered 1-9 and then the 2 VTA light rail lines on the far west side. Track 1 is used by UP for freights and Coast Starlight. Tracks 2-5 still get most of the use as the final operational configuration for using the new tracks (6-9) and platforms has not been put in place yet.
Track 5 is also capabe of handling freight moves, but that is the only other one.
The tunnel to the platforms was extended to the west to access the VTA tracks when they were built, but the eastern portion into the station building was not changed.
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