Kiss Express Light Rail Goodbye In October

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vta express light rail train photo

VTA staff on hand to welcome the first express light rail train in October 2010. Photo courtesy vtawatch.blogspot.com

Nearly eight years after its introduction, express light rail trains in San Jose will be no more.  At its August 2nd meeting, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) Board Of Directors voted to end the express trains as of October 8 of this year.  The decision, according to VTA, is being done to save between $720,000 and $820,000 of operating expenses.

More details on the decision follow.

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Collision With Fatalities On Mtn. View-Winchester Light Rail Line

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On Sunday afternoon, a car vs. VTA light rail collision on Lincoln and Auzrerais in San Jose occurred. Two people in the car that was struck were killed in Sunday afternoon’s collision. VTA ran shuttle buses between Convention Center and Fruitdale stations in both directions after the collision on Sunday.

Repair crews were able to fix the tracks and overhead wiring last night.  As of 6am Monday morning, VTA light rail service has been restored thru the accident area.  Until further notice, light rail trains are moving at 5 mph thru the area of the collision.

Do you ride the Mountain View-Winchester light rail line between Campbell and downtown San Jose? Plan on adding at least 15 minutes’ more travel time.

Our condolences go out to both people who perished in the collision.  In addition, our condolences go out to the VTA light rail operator and affected passengers, as well as outside witnesses of the collision.

More information will be posted as confirmed information warrants.

Eugene Bradley
Founder, Silicon Valley Transit Users

Going Fourth Today and Tonight

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On behalf of the Silicon Valley Transit Users, I want to wish everyone here a Happy Independence Day.

A reminder: ALL transit agencies serving Silicon Valley are running on a Sunday/Holiday schedule today.  This includes Caltrain, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), SamTrans, Altamont Commuter Express (ACE) trains, and the Dumbarton Express bus service.  Normal weekday service and schedules will return tomorrow.

Here’s a quick guide to public transit options for some Independence Day events throughout the Bay Area today.  Much of this will help you avoid drunk driving, parking hassles, and traffic gridlock to and from the festivities.

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