September 6 featured record high temperatures in Santa Clara County. One result of this, we learned, was that the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) had to take 40 buses out of service that day. This was covered in the Mercury News (via East Bay Times) and CBS Bay Area.
Below highlights what was learned directly from VTA on what else happened that hot dayIt’s deeper than what has been reported in the press on this matter. Read and learn for more details.
On behalf of the Silicon Valley Transit Users, I want to wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving today.
Quick reminder: ALL Silicon Valley transit agencies (VTA, Caltrain, BART, SamTrans, et al.) are running on a Sunday/Holiday schedule today.
Read on for a more detailed look at how these transit agencies will run today and tomorrow.
First, let’s pay homage to those who perished during and after the horrific events of September 11, 2001. Let’s make sure we never forget this date, nor those who perished.
This Sunday, light rail service returns to South San Jose. The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) will restore light rail service on the Blue Line between Santa Teresa, downtown San Jose, and Baypointe stations on Sunday morning. This will occur more than three months after that portion of light rail was shut down since the shootings of May 26 at Guadalupe Rail Yard.
Our group has also learned that VTA will extend FREE fares on light rail only, until September 30.
Light rail riders of the Green line between Campbell and downtown San Jose still have no current date for the return of light rail service. In the mean time, read our alternate bus guide to the light rail shutdown and learn how bus lines like the 60, 61, and 523 Rapid serve as an alternate to light rail service in that area.
Read on for more to do via public transit in Silicon Valley this weekend.
A little more Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) light rail service was restored today. Starting today, and until further notice:
Do you or someone you know live or work in Campbell or South San Jose and normally use VTA light rail? Please read our VTA alternate bus guide for light rail service. It lists VTA bus lines like the 60, 64A, 66 and 68, and how they can be used in place of light rail service until those parts of the line are fully restored. Yes, the trips are longer. Yes, you will need to adapt your travel accordingly. Please remember: all of this is temporary.
On Saturday at 7pm, the San Jose Earthquakes host the Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer action on the pitch of PayPal Park. Read our revised transit guide for PayPal Park. It shows how VTA’s 60 bus line directly serves PayPal Park, and how the pitch is within walking distance of the Santa Clara Transit Center and Rail Station.
Finally, on Labor Day (September 6) all Silicon Valley transit agencies will be running a Sunday/Holiday schedule. Normal weekday service will return on Tuesday, September 7. Please plan your trips accordingly.
Thank you, and please stay safe this Labor Day weekend.
Eugene Bradley
Founder & CEO, Silicon Valley Transit Users
Also, partial service on the Green Line between Old Ironsides and Civic Center light rail stations was restored today. VTA light rail will be FREE to ride from now until September 12.
No current ETA is available for when light rail service south and west of Civic Center station will be restored.
Meanwhile, do you typically ride VTA light rail to or from Campbell or South San Jose? Check out our alternate VTA bus guide to the light rail shutdown. It lists alternate VTA bus lines that can be used in place of light rail, until full service is restored. That guide will be edited to reflect the partial return of VTA light rail service before Monday morning.
To help get you re-acclimated to VTA light rail, read our first-time guide to riding VTA light rail. Also, read these tips to help you stay safe on light rail platforms (VTA or other transit systems). Finally, view this video that reminds drivers to watch out for oncoming light rail trains and passengers crossing the street at light rail stations.
Let’s stay safe as VTA light rail returns to Silicon Valley.
Eugene Bradley
Founder & CEO, Silicon Valley Transit Users