San José employs creative transportation strategies to create a more "walkable" pedestrian-oriented community. As part of its "Smart Growth" strategy, the City is proactively identifying potential sites for higher density, mixed-use development in close proximity to transit corridors. Currently, the City has identified sites with the potential for nearly 7,000 dwelling units along transit lines. To keep bicyclists and pedestrians safe, San José offers a traffic safety education program that teaches children about safe walking and bicycling behaviors. This program reaches all San José elementary and middle school students over the course of two years.

San José has taken the lead in improving traffic conditions on a regional level by implementing a variety of initiatives. Regional signal timing projects have minimized travel time on commute corridors using Intelligent Transportation Systems, or advanced traffic management tools, such as cameras, changeable message signs, and real-time signal timing to manage traffic around major event centers, freeways and arterials.

San José also continues to work with the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), and neighboring cities to bring rapid transit service to San José. Currently, BART services San Francisco to the north and cities in the East Bay. In 2000, voters approved a plan to extend BART service from the City of Fremont by 16.3 miles, with seven new stations, through downtown San José to Santa Clara near the Mineta San José International Airport.