Category: Transit Alerts

No VTA Light Rail Between Hostetter-Alum Rock Stations Until Oct. 14

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Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) light rail rehab and improvement work continues. Until October 14, VTA will run shuttle buses instead of light rail between Hostetter and Alum Rock stations in both directions. Typically ride light rail to and from these stations? Allow up to 15 minute delays as the buses must traverse traffic along Capitol Ave. in San Jose. VTA has schedules for the Orange line reflecting the shuttle buses on this stretch of light rail; read the schedule here.

At Hostetter and Alum Rock stations, look for ambassadors (VTA staff) in yellow uniformed vests to help guide you to the shuttle buses, and help you make other transit connections. At Berryessa, Penitencia Creek, and McKee stations, look for signage pointing you to the shuttle bus stops.

Follow @svtransitupdts on X (fka Twitter) for the latest public transit updates and tips.

As always, stay safe while riding public transit.

Eugene Bradley
Founder, Silicon Valley Transit Users

Possible Transit Strike Next Week

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A labor dispute between the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) and workers at Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 265 could affect public transit in Santa Clara County starting next week. The Mercury News reported yesterday that both parties are still working to reach an agreement. This as the current labor contract expired on Monday at midnight.

A full labor strike will stop all bus and light rail service in Santa Clara County. It’s also confirmed via VTA Customer Service that ACCESS Paratransit service will still run normally in the event of a strike.

At press time, all bus and light rail service is running as normal in Santa Clara County. Worth noting: it’s possible that some drivers may not show up for work this week, causing some cancelled bus and light rail runs. Call VTA at (408)321-2300 to ensure your bus and light rail trip is running.

A further update on labor negotiations is expected to be reported at this Thursday’s VTA Board of Directors’ meeting.

DATE & TIME: Thursday, March 6 at 5:30pm
PLACE: County Supervisors’ Chambers, 70 W. Hedding St., San Jose
GETTING THERE: The County Supervisors’ Chambers is a short walk from Civic Center light rail station. The Blue and Green light rail lines, and the 61 bus line, stop at that station.

KRON 4 News reported on Tuesday that ATU Local 265 members will meet this Friday to discuss next steps, in the event no labor agreement is reached.

This site will be updated as circumstances and facts warrant. Have a good day, and stay safe.

Eugene Bradley
Founder, Silicon Valley Transit Users

Happy New Year 2025

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"Happy New Year" text center-right justified among blue and red fireworks, on a dark blue background.

On behalf of the Silicon Valley Transit Users, I want to wish you a Happy New Year.

On New Year’s Eve (Tuesday) at 8pm, FREE transit fare will be in effect for Caltrain, SamTrans, and all Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) bus and rail service. This will be until 3am for Caltrain and SamTrans, and 5am for VTA the next day.

On New Year’s Day (Wednesday), these and other transit agencies will run on a Sunday/Holiday schedule. Normal service and transit fares return on Thursday.

Expect law enforcement on the roads tonight and tomorrow morning. They will be on the lookout for those driving intoxicated (DUI) and/or speeding. Before you go out drinking and then drive, consider these minimum costs:

  • DUI arrest & conviction: $10,000
  • Funeral $8,500-$10,000
  • Uber/Lyft/Taxicab: $50
  • Caltrain or VTA bus/light rail ride from 8pm tonight until 5am New Year’s Day: FREE

Think about it. Choose wisely, and stay safe tonight and tomorrow morning. Happy New Year!

Eugene Bradley
Founder, Silicon Valley Transit Users

Happy Memorial Day 2024

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Happy Memorial Day!
Happy Memorial Day!

Today, we remember those who perished serving our nation’s Armed Forces. This after we remembered the horrific shootings at Guadalupe Rail Yard on May 26, 2021.

All transit agencies serving Silicon Valley are running on a Sunday/Holiday schedule today. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) buses and light rail
  • SamTrans (San Mateo County)
  • Caltrain
  • BART
  • Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) trains to/from Stockton
  • Capitol Corridor trains to/from Oakland and Sacramento

Normal weekday service will return Tuesday morning.

Read on for a transit guide of things to do around San Jose – and how to get there on public transit.

Read more →

Swiftie Transit Weekend…and More

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Taylor Swift. Source: mepixels.com

You cannot avoid the hype. Taylor Swift and her “Eras” tour is in town. Specifically, Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara for shows Friday night and Saturday night.

Levi’s Stadium staff advises concertgoers to take public transportation to and from both shows.

Read on for how BART, Caltrain and Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) will get you to and from the shows – and other events – this weekend.

Read more →