Two Eras End October 8

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Express light rail service in Silicon Valley won’t be the only era ending October 8.  That morning, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA)’s 180 and 181 express bus service will shift to the new Warm Springs BART station from Fremont BART station.  These are all part of VTA’s service changes to the transit system, effective Monday, October 8.

This move ends an era of express bus service between Santa Clara County to Fremont BART station that can be traced back to 1974.  One picture taken from 1979 features what was then the 66 bus line, linking Fremont BART station to Santa Teresa Hospital.

One other result to these changes: VTA buses will no longer serve bus stops in Fremont.  This means passengers will likely have to take AC Transit’s 217 bus to Warm Springs BART, then transfer to VTA’s 180/181 express buses.

What are your thoughts to these changes? Please comment below.

Eugene Bradley
Founder, Silicon Valley Transit Users

Kiss Express Light Rail Goodbye In October

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vta express light rail train photo

VTA staff on hand to welcome the first express light rail train in October 2010. Photo courtesy vtawatch.blogspot.com

Nearly eight years after its introduction, express light rail trains in San Jose will be no more.  At its August 2nd meeting, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) Board Of Directors voted to end the express trains as of October 8 of this year.  The decision, according to VTA, is being done to save between $720,000 and $820,000 of operating expenses.

More details on the decision follow.

Read more →

Collision With Fatalities On Mtn. View-Winchester Light Rail Line

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https://twitter.com/BrianKPIX/status/1016072388222468096

On Sunday afternoon, a car vs. VTA light rail collision on Lincoln and Auzrerais in San Jose occurred. Two people in the car that was struck were killed in Sunday afternoon’s collision. VTA ran shuttle buses between Convention Center and Fruitdale stations in both directions after the collision on Sunday.

Repair crews were able to fix the tracks and overhead wiring last night.  As of 6am Monday morning, VTA light rail service has been restored thru the accident area.  Until further notice, light rail trains are moving at 5 mph thru the area of the collision.

Do you ride the Mountain View-Winchester light rail line between Campbell and downtown San Jose? Plan on adding at least 15 minutes’ more travel time.

Our condolences go out to both people who perished in the collision.  In addition, our condolences go out to the VTA light rail operator and affected passengers, as well as outside witnesses of the collision.

More information will be posted as confirmed information warrants.

Eugene Bradley
Founder, Silicon Valley Transit Users