Tag: Santa Clara County

Issues affecting all of Santa Clara County.

Happy Memorial Day 2022

Happy Memorial Day!

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

On Monday, all transit agencies serving Santa Clara County will run on a Sunday/Holiday schedule. This includes Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) buses/light rail, Caltrain, SamTrans, and BART. Normal weekday service for all transit agencies will resume on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, this long weekend, VTA buses and light rail will help you beat traffic and parking woes to the following events:

On this long weekend, let’s ensure we honor and salute those who have fallen while serving our country in our Armed Forces.

Lastly, make sure to follow @svtransitupdts on Twitter for the latest public transit service updates and information.

Stay safe out there, in these wild times.

Eugene Bradley
Founder & CEO, Silicon Valley Transit Users

VTA Reform Back On the Table

“The time is always right to do the right thing.”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Remember efforts last year on Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) governance reform via AB 1091?  VTA reform is back in play again in the State Legislature, thanks to California State Assembly Member Marc Berman.

Assembly Member Berman will have a town hall to discuss this new effort at VTA Governance Reform.  That town hall takes place on Wednesday from 6pm-7pm.  Speakers at the Town Hall will include:

  • Current VTA Board Chair and San Jose Vice Mayor Charles “Chappie” Jones
  • Former VTA Board member and current Santa Clara City Council member Teresa O’Neill
  • Amalgamated Transportation Union (ATU) Local 265 President & Business Agent John Courtney

RSVP to make yourself part of that town hall Wednesday evening at 6pm.

Afterward, read more on why we continue to support governance reform at VTA.

BEATING TRAFFIC: Transit To Today’s Big Games

photo courtesy gostanford.com

The Big Game is at Stanford Stadium today – pandemic and all. At 4pm today, Stanford hosts Cal in the annual Big Game for The Axe at Stanford Stadium at 4pm.

Our transit guide to Stanford Stadium details Caltrain, VTA rapid bus, and SamTrans bus options to and from today’s Big Game.

Meanwhile, in San Jose, there is a pro hockey doubleheader today. At 1:15pm face-off time, the San Jose Barracuda host the San Diego Gulls in AHL action. Afterward, at 7:30pm, the San Jose Sharks host the Washington Capitals in NHL action.

Our transit guide to SAP Center mentions VTA bus, light rail, and Caltrain transit options to and from the games.

When used, all of these bus and rail options help you beat traffic, parking headaches, and potential road rage incidents to and from the games.

Not sure how to ride and pay fare on VTA buses or light rail? There’s a guide for that, too.

Have a nice day, and stay safe. More tomorrow…

Eugene Bradley
Founder & CEO, Silicon Valley Transit Users

Weekend Update – 10/23/2021

Let’s get together Saturday at noon to help the drivers who have helped us in the pandemic. There will be a rally at San Jose City Hall at noon to demand “hazard pay” for bus drivers and light rail operators who kept us moving during the pandemic.

Several Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) bus lines stop at San Jose City Hall for the rally. Also, San Jose City Hall is only two blocks from and a 5 minute walk from the Santa Clara (Street) light rail station. VTA buses like the 22, 522 Rapid, 523 Rapid, 64A, 64B, 72, and 73 stop in front of San Jose City Hall for today’s rally.

Not sure how to ride and pay for your VTA bus or light rail ride? Our guide shows you how. Also, given heavy rain expected on Sunday, here are tips on how to ride buses or trains during the inclement weather.

Note that this guide is being provided as a public service, and is not affiliated with any public transit agency mentioned here. This is one of several events this weekend that you can take Silicon Valley’s public transit system to and from. More information on these events follow.

VTA Voted To Further Silence YOU

People wait to speak at a recent VTA meeting.
People wait to speak at a recent VTA public meeting.

A key committee at the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) voted yesterday to further restrict your voice at meetings. In a unanimous vote, VTA’s Governance and Audit Committee voted to continue to allow public speakers only one (1) minute at Board meetings, and two (2) minutes at Committee meetings.

Highlights of yesterday’s vote at VTA are below.