Even in a global pandemic, one New Year’s Eve public transit tradition continues. Transit agencies like Caltrain, SamTrans, and VTA will have free fares for their bus & rail service starting around 8pm. This despite Santa Clara County’s “shelter in place” health orders in effect until further notice.
Pandemic protection rules such as social distancing and mask wearing on board will still apply. Per health department directives, avoid crowds to help curb the spread of COVID-19.
Read on for a summary of who’s offering what services on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, and when.
VTA
VTA buses and light rail will be free to ride from 8pm tonight until end of service tonight only. Customer Service will be open until 4pm, and close on New Year’s Day.
All VTA buses and light rail will run on a Sunday/Holiday schedule on New Year’s Day.
Read and learn more about VTA’s New Year’s Eve/Day services.
Caltrain and SamTrans
Both of these agencies will have free fares starting at 8pm tonight until the end of service tonight only. Note the last southbound Caltrain trip leaving San Francisco is at 12:02am. Both will run a Sunday/Holiday schedule on New Year’s Day.
Customer Service for both agencies will be open until 7pm tonight. On New Year’s Day, Caltrain’s Customer Service only will be open from 8am-5pm.
Read and learn more about the New Year’s Eve/Day services for Caltrain and SamTrans.
BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)
BART is running its regular (pandemic) weekday schedule today, with service ending at 9pm.
On New Year’s Day, BART will run a Sunday/Holiday schedule with service starting at 8am.
Read and learn more on how BART will serve you on New Year’s Eve/Day.
Santa Cruz METRO
Take the Highway 17 Express Bus? Note that Santa Cruz METRO will have FREE fares today and tomorrow on New Year’s Day. The FREE fares also apply throughout the METRO system in Santa Cruz County today as well.
On New Year’s Day, only the Highway 17 Express Bus will run. All other Santa Cruz METRO bus service will not operate on New Year’s Day. Regular weekend service returns on Saturday.
Read and learn more on how Santa Cruz METRO and the Highway 17 Express Bus will serve you on New Year’s Eve/Day.
Conclusion
Let’s recognize that people who need to work today and tomorrow still need transit. In this ongoing global pandemic, where possible, stay home and avoid crowds to help curb the spread of COVID-19.
Happy New Year, everyone. Please stay safe and sane.
Eugene Bradley
Founder & CEO, Silicon Valley Transit Users