Transit Strike Notice Given For Monday

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Barring a last-minute agreement, prepare for a bus and light rail shutdown in Santa Clara County on Monday. At Thursday night’s Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) Board of Directors’ meeting, the letter above from Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) local 265 President Rajvinder Singh was presented to VTA Board members and staff. It sets a strike date starting this coming Monday at 12:01am.

ACCESS Paratransit services will continue to run as normal, should a strike occur.

On Thursday night, NBC Bay Area warned viewers to be prepared Monday morning for increases in vehicle traffic throughout Santa Clara County. They also warned of more demand in ride-hailing services and carpool services. CBS Bay Area reported that this is the first time in the over-100 year history of ATU Local 265 that they have been on strike.

This is on both ATU Local 265 and VTA to come to an agreement as soon as possible. More information will be posted this weekend.

Eugene Bradley
Founder, Silicon Valley Transit Users

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