This November, voters have a unique opportunity to significantly enhance Palo Alto’s infrastructure and improve daily life for residents, commuters, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. By voting YES on Measure D, voters are supporting the Quarry Road Connection Project, which will boost transit efficiency, reduce traffic congestion, and create safer, more convenient routes for everyone.
Greenbelt Alliance is excited to endorse the campaign to urge voters to say YES to a more connected and sustainable Palo Alto!
Why It Matters
Palo Alto Transit Center (PATC) is a critical transportation hub for the city, second only to San Francisco in Caltrain ridership along the entire corridor. The Center serves as a vital connection point, linking Palo Alto with surrounding regions like San Mateo, Santa Clara County, and the East Bay. Every day, approximately 600 buses, including those from SamTrans, VTA, AC Transit, and Dumbarton Express, converge here to support Caltrain’s services. With such high traffic and usage, the Quarry Road Connection Project is not just an enhancement; it’s a necessary evolution to ensure the City’s transit infrastructure keeps pace with the demands of a growing community. Read the Office of Transportation’s proposal here.
To make this possible, a small, underutilized portion of El Camino Park—less than one-third of an acre—will be repurposed. In exchange, community members see incredible benefits such as enhanced park access, improved landscaping, and the activation of an underused space for residents, commuters, cyclists, and pedestrians. With funding largely secured through regional partners, including $4 million from Stanford University, this project is a clear choice delivering massive benefits at little to no cost to local taxpayers.
Benefits of Voting YES on Measure D:
- Reduced Transit Times and Congestion Relief: Bus trips will be shortened by 5-8 minutes, making public transit a more attractive option and the new connection will alleviate traffic at University Avenue and University Circle.
- Improved Safety: New pedestrian and bicycle paths at El Camino Park will make crossing the Quarry Road-ECR intersection safer and more convenient.
- Enhanced Park Access: Better connectivity to El Camino Park will allow more residents to enjoy the park’s recreational facilities.
- Sustainability: By improving transit efficiency, we reduce our city’s carbon footprint and promote sustainable transportation options.
By voting YES on Measure D, voters are investing in a future where Palo Alto is safer, more efficient, and more connected. Let’s seize this opportunity to build a better community for all. Vote YES on Measure D!
Photo credit: Karl Nielsen/Greenbelt Alliance
