Tag: transit

Status Quo Fears Change

Video of the June 2, 2022 VTA Board Of Directors’ meeting.

Last Thursday’s Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) Board Of Directors‘ meeting had some interesting actions approved. The last of the actions approved should not come as a surprise to those who have followed us since 2001.

Christmas Giving…and Taking

Transit riders in the South Bay are in for major changes on December 28.  That’s when the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) will make major changes to bus and light rail service throughout Santa Clara County.  Read and learn more on how your bus and light rail service will be affected on December 28 here.

Our own Monica Mallon was interviewed for a story on ABC 7 News about the service changes. That news story aired December 26 throughout the day.

While VTA is adding service on major bus lines like the 22 and 70, they are also ending service on some bus lines like the 45 and 65.  As the agency converts a limited stop bus line to a rapid bus line (323 to 523), they are eliminating the 304, 321, 328, and 330.  (Some of these bus lines run along county expressways.).  As VTA enables direct light rail service between Mountain View, the Great Mall, Milpitas BART stop, and Alum Rock, it will close the Almaden light rail spur.  (One final group round trip between Ohlone-Chynoweth and Almaden will be on December 27 at 9:30pm.)

The same ABC 7 News story noted that all VTA bus and light rail service will run FREE from December 28-31. On New Year’s Eve, VTA will run a normal weekday schedule, with extra late night service on the 181 express bus line between Warm Springs and 2nd/Santa Clara in San Jose.

We’re looking for stories from you on how the VTA service changes after December 28 will affect your transit travel.  Please comment below, on our Facebook page, or our Twitter feed.  We will soon have tips on what YOU need to do come January 9 to start restoring transit service in Santa Clara County.

Eugene Bradley
Founder, Silicon Valley Transit Users

Happy Independence Day!

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?

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…

News Bites – June 13, 2019

A new name for a popular bike sharing program.  A reopening date for the rebuilt Transbay Terminal is revealed.  A better group calendar. One of our members starts an online group for Highway 17 Express Bus riders.  Finally, our newest member gets commended by a San Jose City Council member.

Read on more details…