Paseo de San Antonio station
| Company type | Light rail station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | June 17, 1988 |
| Headquarters | San Jose, California , United States |
Area served | Downtown San Jose, California |
| Products | Light rail services (Blue Line and Green Line) |
Paseo de San Antonio station is a ground-level light rail stop serving both the Blue Line and Green Line within the VTA light rail network. Its platforms are positioned along the transit mall in Downtown San Jose, with the northbound platform located on 1st Street and the southbound platform on 2nd Street. These platforms are linked by the pedestrian zone known as Paseo de San Antonio, from which the station derives its name.
Situated in close proximity to the San Jose State University campus, this station caters to an important urban and academic ridership.
History
The construction of Paseo de San Antonio station took place during the Guadalupe Line’s second development phase. While the initial phase commenced operations on December 11, 1987, the second phase, including this station, opened approximately six months later on June 17, 1988. The delay was primarily due to challenges associated with constructing the transit mall in Downtown San Jose. In 2006, the station was upgraded to facilitate level boarding at every door.
Location
Positioned in Downtown San Jose, California, the station spans 1st and 2nd Streets just north of East San Carlos Street. The northbound platform lies along 1st Street, while the southbound platform is situated on 2nd Street.
Station layout
Similar to all three transit mall stations in San Jose, Paseo de San Antonio operates across a pair of one-way parallel streets. The northbound platform runs adjacent to 1st Street, with the southbound platform alongside 2nd Street. Each street includes a general traffic lane on the left and a dedicated bus lane on the right. Light rail vehicles travel on a broad sidewalk next to the bus lane. Shared platforms for buses and light rail are positioned between these lanes and tracks. In 2019, safety barriers were installed to separate pedestrians from train movements along these sidewalks.
Notable places nearby
Several important business and cultural destinations are accessible within walking distance of the station:
- Alfred E. Alquist State Building – approximately one block away – 100 Paseo de San Antonio
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library – about two to three blocks – 150 E San Fernando St
- Fairmont San Jose Hotel – roughly one to two blocks – 170 S Market St
- Hammer Theatre – one to two blocks away – 101 Paseo de San Antonio
- Robert F. Peckham United States Courthouse and Federal Building – less than a block – 280 N First St
- San Jose Chamber of Commerce – one block distance – 310 S First St
- San Jose Museum of Art – two to three blocks away – 110 S Market St
- San Jose State University – located two to three blocks away – 1 Washington Square
- Plaza de Cesar Chavez – one to two blocks away – Park Av & Market St