Tag: Bus

Silicon Valley local and regional bus news.

National Championship Transit Options

Levi’s Stadium, east of Great America light rail station.

College football’s national championship game comes to the Bay Area for the first time.  On January 7 at 5pm, college football’s National Championship game will take place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.  The Clemson Tigers face the Alabama Crimson Tide for major college football’s national championship.

This post will help detail Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) public transit options to and from fan events in San Jose and Santa Clara on January 4-7.  These options help you beat expected traffic gridlock, parking woes, and potential road rage incidents at the events.  This post will also help detail a local guide for first-time public transit riders – especially those visiting San Jose and Santa Clara from out of town.  Read on below for more information…

Happy New Year 2019!

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

On Tuesday, all public transit agencies serving Silicon Valley like Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), Caltrain, and SamTrans will run a Sunday/Holiday schedule.

All three transit agencies will have FREE service on the night of New Year’s Eve (about 8pm), until early morning on New Year’s Day (about 5am). This includes VTA, Caltrain, and SamTrans.

Please make sure to take advantage of these FREE transit services on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day – especially if you have been drinking.  To help you use public transit on New Year’s Eve – and any other time – read our new First Time Transit User guide.

Have a safe and sane New Year!

Eugene Bradley
Founder, Silicon Valley Transit Users

Two Eras End October 8

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

Going Fourth Today and Tonight

On behalf of the Silicon Valley Transit Users, I want to wish everyone here a Happy Independence Day.

A reminder: ALL transit agencies serving Silicon Valley are running on a Sunday/Holiday schedule today.  This includes Caltrain, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), SamTrans, Altamont Commuter Express (ACE) trains, and the Dumbarton Express bus service.  Normal weekday service and schedules will return tomorrow.

Here’s a quick guide to public transit options for some Independence Day events throughout the Bay Area today.  Much of this will help you avoid drunk driving, parking hassles, and traffic gridlock to and from the festivities.

This Thursday, Sam Comes To Our Club

The Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) Board Chair will see some of his managers this week.  San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo – also VTA Board Chair this year – will be our guest at our group’s upcoming meeting this Thursday in San Jose. 

TIME/DATE: Thursday, April 26 at 6pm
PLACE: San Jose Peace & Justice Center, 48 S. 7th Street (between Santa Clara and San Fernando Streets), San Jose
GETTING THERE: Many VTA bus lines like the 22, 522 Rapid, 72, 73 and Highway 17 Express stop near the Peace and Justice Center.  There is limited bicycle and automobile parking behind the building, so it’s advisable to take public transit to and from the building.  There is also wheelchair access behind the building.

The agenda and a toll-free dial-in number to the meeting follow…