Category: Transit Alerts

Possible Transit Strike Next Week

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A labor dispute between the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) and workers at Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 265 could affect public transit in Santa Clara County starting next week. The Mercury News reported yesterday that both parties are still working to reach an agreement. This as the current labor contract expired on Monday at midnight.

A full labor strike will stop all bus and light rail service in Santa Clara County. It’s also confirmed via VTA Customer Service that ACCESS Paratransit service will still run normally in the event of a strike.

At press time, all bus and light rail service is running as normal in Santa Clara County. Worth noting: it’s possible that some drivers may not show up for work this week, causing some cancelled bus and light rail runs. Call VTA at (408)321-2300 to ensure your bus and light rail trip is running.

A further update on labor negotiations is expected to be reported at this Thursday’s VTA Board of Directors’ meeting.

DATE & TIME: Thursday, March 6 at 5:30pm
PLACE: County Supervisors’ Chambers, 70 W. Hedding St., San Jose
GETTING THERE: The County Supervisors’ Chambers is a short walk from Civic Center light rail station. The Blue and Green light rail lines, and the 61 bus line, stop at that station.

KRON 4 News reported on Tuesday that ATU Local 265 members will meet this Friday to discuss next steps, in the event no labor agreement is reached.

This site will be updated as circumstances and facts warrant. Have a good day, and stay safe.

Eugene Bradley
Founder, Silicon Valley Transit Users

Happy New Year 2025

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"Happy New Year" text center-right justified among blue and red fireworks, on a dark blue background.

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

On New Year’s Eve (Tuesday) at 8pm, FREE transit fare will be in effect for Caltrain, SamTrans, and all Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) bus and rail service. This will be until 3am for Caltrain and SamTrans, and 5am for VTA the next day.

On New Year’s Day (Wednesday), these and other transit agencies will run on a Sunday/Holiday schedule. Normal service and transit fares return on Thursday.

Expect law enforcement on the roads tonight and tomorrow morning. They will be on the lookout for those driving intoxicated (DUI) and/or speeding. Before you go out drinking and then drive, consider these minimum costs:

  • DUI arrest & conviction: $10,000
  • Funeral $8,500-$10,000
  • Uber/Lyft/Taxicab: $50
  • Caltrain or VTA bus/light rail ride from 8pm tonight until 5am New Year’s Day: FREE

Think about it. Choose wisely, and stay safe tonight and tomorrow morning. Happy New Year!

Eugene Bradley
Founder, Silicon Valley Transit Users

Happy Memorial Day 2024

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Happy Memorial Day!
Happy Memorial Day!

Today, we remember those who perished serving our nation’s Armed Forces. This after we remembered the horrific shootings at Guadalupe Rail Yard on May 26, 2021.

All transit agencies serving Silicon Valley are running on a Sunday/Holiday schedule today. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) buses and light rail
  • SamTrans (San Mateo County)
  • Caltrain
  • BART
  • Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) trains to/from Stockton
  • Capitol Corridor trains to/from Oakland and Sacramento

Normal weekday service will return Tuesday morning.

Read on for a transit guide of things to do around San Jose – and how to get there on public transit.

Read more →

Swiftie Transit Weekend…and More

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Taylor Swift. Source: mepixels.com

You cannot avoid the hype. Taylor Swift and her “Eras” tour is in town. Specifically, Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara for shows Friday night and Saturday night.

Levi’s Stadium staff advises concertgoers to take public transportation to and from both shows.

Read on for how BART, Caltrain and Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) will get you to and from the shows – and other events – this weekend.

Read more →

Jan. 10 Transit Update Due To Storms

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Heavy rain and winds continue to affect public transit in Santa Clara County. Specifically, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) bus and light rail service.

As of 1:00pm:

  • VTA is still running buses instead of light rail between San Fernando and Fruitdale stations on the Green Line due to local power outages.
  • Expect at least 30 min. delays on Highway 17 express bus service between San Jose and Santa Cruz in both directions. This is due to flooding near the southbound I-280/Bird exit these buses use to access downtown San Jose.
  • Downed power wires on streets throughout Santa Clara County mean detours and delays for VTA bus service. Such power outages also affect stoplights, as traffic must treat these intersections as a 4-way STOP sign. This means up to 15 minute delays on the following VTA bus lines:
    • In Gilroy, downed power wires near the downtown area result in delays on the 68, 84 and 85 bus lines.
    • In East San Jose, the 70 and 522 Rapid bus lines due to traffic signals out at Capitol Expwy/Cunningham and Capitol Expwy/Ocala
    • In South San Jose, the 37 bus due to loss of power affecting traffic signals at San Tomas at HWY 17, Camden/White Oaks.
    • In West San Jose near Cupertino, delays on the 23, 59, and 523 Rapid bus lines due to flashing red signals at San Tomas Expressway and Stevens Creek due to traffic signals flashing red
  • The light rail platform elevator at Milpitas light rail station remains out of service. No ETA on when service for that elevator will be restored. Typically use the Milpitas light rail elevator? Use Great Mall or Cropley stations as alternatives. Upon boarding, immediately let the light rail operator know by intercom that you need the elevator at Milpitas, and request for arrangements to be made.

If you must travel, be careful when riding public transit. We have a guide that shows you how to ride public transit in wet weather.

Follow @svtransitupdts on Twitter for the latest public transit updates and tips this week. Here’s how to keep us and others updated on our Twitter feed. Please help update us and other people on any delays on VTA bus and/or light rail service you encounter.

Please continue to listen to your local television or radio news for the latest updates on the storms this week. This includes orders to evacuate where you are at, as needed.

Stay safe throughout these storms.

Eugene Bradley
Founder, Silicon Valley Transit Users