Eugene B

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

More News Coming Up

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I have personally been away on management training on my day job. It’s why things have not been updated in the timely manner you have expected over the last few months. There are a lot of things to talk about, in regard to

  • current BART Phase II (San Jose-Santa Clara)
  • Upcoming public meetings by VTA for input from YOU for its future (particularly South County)
  • Awards recently won by the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) and SamTrans
  • An opportunity for YOU to help VTA on a committee responsible for banning problem transit riders

and more, will be posted here, as soon as possible. Thank you, readers, for your patience at this time.

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 →

Super Bowl LVIII Local Party Transit Guide

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Super Bowl LVIII logo with San Francisco and Kansas City team logos on the left and right, respectively.
Image courtesy foxsports.com

The stage is set for Sunday afternoon in Las Vegas for Super Bowl LVIII.  Can’t make it to the rematch of the Big Game between the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs?  There are local parties at bars, clubs, and restaurants throughout Santa Clara County – and beyond. Read on for more details.

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