Tag: light rail

Happy Independence Day!

by  • 

Happy 4th Of July!

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

As a reminder, all Silicon Valley transit agencies like Caltrain and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) are running on a Sunday/Holiday schedule today.  Normal service will return tomorrow.

Meanwhile, VTA has put together a schedule matrix of bus services that will be detoured today, due to various Independence day activities.  The matrix also includes information on enhanced light rail service to fireworks shows in downtown San Jose, Great America, and Lake Almaden this evening.

Please stay safe and sane today and tonight.

Eugene Bradley
Founder, Silicon Valley Transit Users

Silicon Valley Transit Strike Possible?

by  • 

Riders board the VTA’s 10 FREE Airport shuttle bus in Santa Clara.

Could a public transit worker strike in Silicon Valley be on the horizon?  ATU Local 265 – the labor union representing VTA’s bus drivers, light rail operators, mechanics, and other workers will take a final vote on VTA’s “Best, Last, and Final Offer” on Wednesday.

VTA and ATU Local 265 have been in talks on a new labor contract since last August.  Talks have been at an impasse over wages, pensions, and operational efficiencies.  VTA’s latest offer was provided to ATU Local 265 on May 10.

A transit strike in Silicon Valley will affect more than 120,000 daily VTA transit riders.  More on what is going on follows…

Read more →

Big Biennial Budget

by  • 

Inside the Santa Clara County Supervisors' chambers.

Inside the Santa Clara County Supervisors’ chambers where VTA Board Of Directors’ meetings are held.

It’s transit budget time again.  Thursday’s Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) Board Of Directors meeting will be where they vote to approve – or reject – their proposed budget for the 2020 and 2021 Fiscal Year (FY).

Details on what VTA proposes – and our own alternate to fund additional, much-needed bus increases in Santa Clara County – are below.

Read more →

All-Star Hockey Weekend In San Jose

by  • 

2019 NHL All-Star Game rink setup. Photo courtesy San Jose Sharks.

Pro hockey’s brightest and best stars come to San Jose this weekend.  The 2019 NHL All-Star Weekend will take place in two locations throughout downtown San Jose. Hockey fan activities take place January 24 thru January 27 at McEnery Convention Center.  The 2019 NHL All-Star game itself takes place on January 26 at 5pm at SAP Center.

Visiting San Jose for All-Star Weekend? Read our first-time public transit rider’s guide to learn how to ride the buses and trains in Silicon Valley.  We have additional Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) public transit tips to help you beat traffic gridlock and parking woes to and from these All-Star events. Read on for more details.

Read more →

Here We Go Again…

by  • 

More service cuts to public transit may be coming to Silicon Valley.  The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) will discuss a proposal to further reduce bus and light rail service at its first Board Of Directors’ meeting of 2019 this Thursday at 5:30pm in San Jose.

WHEN: Thursday, January 10 at 5:30pm
WHERE: Auditorium at VTA Headquarters, 3331 N. First Street, San Jose
GETTING THERE: Take VTA Light Rail to the River Oaks station.  VTA’s headquarters is on the west (airport) side of N. First Street, in the back of the Park and Ride lot.

Tips for how to be heard at any VTA Board meeting or workshop can be mastered here.

Our group has obtained details on what the VTA Board Of Directors will discuss at Thursday evening’s meeting. Details are below.

Read more →