VTA Light Rail – Capitol Station

I’ve been here more than a handful of times (in the past), but the most recent was today, and, sadly, it’s still as dirty and as confusing as it was three years ago. If I didn’t know where I was going, then I probably would’ve Googled how to get off the platform!
Signs would be a big help!

… some of the reviews here make no sense.
— yes, there are signs to which direction you’re going.
— yes, there are benches, if you are sitting or standing where they’re at and facing the fences, you will see the sign of where it’s going
— yes, the elevators smell– it only takes on lesson to learn that.
— it won’t say exactly which one to take besides the usual ALUM ROCK or SANTA TERESA, etc.
— the stairs, good work out. not every stop has an escalator at all. only smelly elevators.
— they’re cleaning up the public area, good for them. they’re not leaving it to just get dirtier.
— there are maps that tells you which light rail to take and estimated arrival times, got questions? call 511, no phone? turn around and ask a stranger. they know where they’re going and which route to take.
$ 2 one way, transfer light rail
$ 6 day pass to use on VTAs, including bus
Light rail takes you to Caltrain as well.
Earliest departure is about 4:25am.

Today was my first use of the capital stop on light rail and this station is dirty with no signage indicating direction before going up to the platform. For instance if your disabled there is no indication where the elevator is and where you go to use it. Once you finally find the elevator it is disgusting with a strong odor of urine. The platform itself is ok but I can’t remember whether there were benches to sit on. Campbell was the last station I used and that station is very pleasant and clean. This one on capital not so much. The parking is wonderful and that was the high point!
Best wishes,
Sarah

I have been using this station since 2004. It is horrible. The escalator on the north side is constantly down. I have to climb three lights of stairs. The alternative is to cross a busy six lane expressway and try to get to the other side before the train leaves. This is not acceptable. The escalator had to be closed and haz mat personnel had to use pumps to pump out the human feces clogging the escalator. the smell of urine is overwhelming. Human feces and urine in the elevator and on the stairs. Homeless encampments now appearing at the bottom of the stairs on the north side. Homeless is RVs living in the park and ride lots. all I get from VTA is shuck and jive and excuses.

Did a drive thru of this place and only stopped to meet a craigslist seller. The lot seemed dirty and to me a bit sketch. But I’m sure if I spent enough time hanging out in the lot i’d end up loving the place.

Capitol was my closest light rail station when I lived in San Jose. On days I went to work downtown I always drove 10 minutes or so and then took the light rail downtown.
There’s tons of parking at the Capitol station, and I never had even a remote problem getting a spot in the morning commute rush. The trains were reliable, came fairly often, and got me into downtown quickly, safely, and reliably. The station is outdoors, so be prepared on days when it’s cold and/​or rainy!
The area this station is in isn’t the greatest, but I never had a problem parking my car in the daytime. I probably wouldn’t leave it overnight, though. While the lightrail line could’ve been more expansive (I wish there’d been one closer to my apartment), I was generally a fan of the system and the station.