Category: Transit Alerts

VTA Quarterly Service Changes Effective Monday

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The new year has good news for bus riders in Silicon Valley. On January 5th, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) will add Sunday service on the 323 limited stop bus line between San Jose and De Anza College in Cupertino. VTA will also add more weekday and Saturday bus service on the 323 as well.

Amongst other service changes VTA will implement on January 5th:

  • Rerouting on the 77 bus line in northern San Jose to support construction of the BART extension along its normal route.
  • Having the 17 Community Bus route end at the Social Services center on Tompkins Ct. instead of Monterey/Las Animas due to safety reasons.
  • Adding a trip on northbound-only 168 express bus service from Gilroy to San Jose to support San Jose State University students when classes are in session.

These and more of the bus service changes VTA is making on January 5th are mentioned here.

One main point to consider regarding service expansion on the 323: it is to help build ridership for VTA’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project for Stevens Creek Boulevard.

Do you agree with the service increases VTA is making January 5th? If not, what bus or light rail service changes for the better do YOU think VTA needs to make?  Please discuss in the comments area according to our blog commenting rules.

Eugene Bradley
Founder, Silicon Valley Transit Users

Happy New Year 2015!

 

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

Several transit New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day traditions continue today and tomorrow.

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) will have FREE bus and light rail service from 8pm New Year’s Eve until 5am New Year’s Day.

In addition, Caltrain will have FREE service system-wide from 8pm until the end of service early Thursday morning.  From 12:45am-2:15am New Year’s Day, Caltrain will have southbound service from San Francisco at 15 minutes and 45 minutes after the hour. Trains leave at the times specified above or when full, whichever is sooner.

As for Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) trains: service will run every 20 minutes until 3am Thursday morning. This service will primarily support the fireworks show on the Embarcadero in San Francisco at midnight.

Note that neither VTA, BART nor Caltrain allow alcohol aboard trains – particularly after 9pm. If found with alcohol, expect to be asked to leave the train.

Please take advantage of these transit services to avoid having to drive home in gridlock – possibly drunk. Should you still need to drive home in your automobile and you’re drunk, call AAA at 1(800)222-4357 and ask the operator for a free “Tipsy Tow” home.

Let’s all be careful out there. Have a Happy, Safe, and Sane New Year!

Eugene Bradley
Founder, Silicon Valley Transit Users

Weathering The Storms On VTA & Caltrain

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More rain is coming to Silicon Valley this week. Transit agencies like the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) have already made preparations for these storms. Despite these preparations, incidents such as downed trees and flooding have caused delays and rerouting on VTA buses and light rail over the last week.

Traveling on VTA buses, light rail, ACE or Caltrain this week? Below are some tips to help you travel during these storms this week. These tips are based on experience in riding buses and trains during big rainstorms and even snowstorms on the East Coast.

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

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(source: www.joscountryjunction.com )

On behalf of the Silicon Valley Transit Users, I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving Day today.

On Thanksgiving Day, many Silicon Valley transit agencies like Caltrain, SamTrans and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) will run on a Sunday/Holiday schedule.

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) trains between San Francisco, Oakland, Richmond, Millbrae and Fremont will run on a Sunday schedule Thanksgiving Day. Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) trains will NOT run on Thanksgiving Day nor on the day after Thanksgiving (Friday). Full ACE train service returns on Monday, although the special ACE train to and from Levi’s Stadium will run for this evening’s San Francisco 49ers game vs. Seattle at 5:30pm.

Details on special public transit service for Thanksgiving Day and the proce, eding weekend – including “Black Friday” – are below.

Happy Veterans Day 2014!

thank you veterans

On behalf of the Silicon Valley Transit Users, I would like to wish you – and all of our current and retired Armed Forces – a Happy Veterans’ Day!

As a reminder, many public transit agencies are running on a regular weekday schedule today. Examples include but are not limited to:

  • Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA)
  • Caltrain
  • BART
  • SamTrans
  • AC Transit
  • San Francisco MUNI

Also, many VTA bus lines serving downtown San Jose will be rerouted to support the city’s annual Veterans’ Day parade. The VTA bus rerouting will occur from 9am-2pm today.

Once again, please enjoy Veterans’ Day today and keep yourself safe and sane!

Eugene Bradley
Founder, Silicon Valley Transit Users