Frequently Asked Questions

VTA provides service throughout Santa Clara County and partners with other systems for bus and rail service between Santa Clara County and the counties of Alameda, Santa Cruz, San Mateo and San Francisco. VTA's 520+ vehicle bus fleet serves a 326 square mile urbanized area. The 28.6-mile light rail system is operated with a fleet of 50 cars.

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Now you can park your vehicle in one of over two hundred and forty designated Airport Long-Term Parking spaces at the following VTA Light Rail Stations: Almaden, Blossom Hill, Branham, Capitol, Cottle, Curtner, Evelyn, Ohlone/Chynoweth, Santa Teresa, Snell and Tamien. As with regular Park & Ride parking, Airport Long-Term Parking is a free service of VTA. Airport Long-Term Parking is limited to a 7-day maximum. Look for signs marking the designated spaces. Click here for more free Airport parking info.

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What other free services does VTA provide?

Free ride to Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport.
The VTA/SJC Airport Flyer goes to both terminals of Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport every day from 4:30 a.m. until 12:00 a.m. On weekdays, the Airport Flyer offers service every 30 to 60 minutes from 4:30 a.m. to 5:30 a.m., every 15 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and every 30 minutes from 10:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. On weekends, the Airport Flyer offers service every 30 to 60 minutes from 4:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m., every 15 minutes from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and every 30 minutes from 10:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Get on board at the Metro/Airport Light Rail Station or the Santa Clara Caltrain Station. Click here for more Airport Flyer info.

Free Light Rail Shuttles to your job.
We operate free VTA Light Rail Shuttles from Lockheed Martin, Old Ironsides, River Oaks, Orchard, Component, Metro/Airport, Cottle and Santa Teresa stations. For more details, call VTA Customer Service.

Free Shuttle to the HP Pavilion Center at San Jose.
Effective Friday, May 9, 2003, the HP Pavilion Light Rail Shuttle will be discontinued. Several VTA routes serve the HP Pavilion and/or the San Jose Diridon Caltrain Station, which is across the street from the HP Pavilion. A shuttle that would only serve San Jose Sharks games is currently being discussed with some potential partners that would share the operating expense. If terms of the Sharks Shuttle can be agreed upon, an announcement regarding the specifics of the Sharks Shuttle will be made before the hockey season begins in late September.

DASH around downtown free.
The Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) serves the San Jose Diridon Caltrain Station, Downtown Center Plaza, Children's Discovery Museum, Convention Center and Light Rail stations Monday to Friday from 6:15 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Click here for more detailed DASH information.

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What is the Eco Pass program?

Eco Pass is an annual transit pass that allows employees and residents unlimited rides on VTA Buses, Light Rail and Paratransit Service. Employers and residential communities purchase Eco Passes for all full-time employees or residents paying one low price. Eco Pass is a photo ID validated with an annual sticker. For more information, call (408) 321-7544. Click here for more detailed EcoPass information.

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You can buy VTA monthly Flash Passes at all Albertsons and many Longs Drug Stores in Santa Clara County. Check out the Schedules, Maps & Fares section to find the store nearest you as well as other locations that sell passes.

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What are the advantages of using VTA Tokens?

VTA Day Pass Tokens are convenient because you don't need to worry about having the right change in your pocket. Best of all, they can save you plenty -- 10% over regular cash fare. You can buy them at many Longs and Albertsons Stores (the various locations are listed in the Schedules, Maps & Fares section). There's no time limit on the use, so make sure you keep VTA Tokens on hand. They're just the ticket to get you where you need to go for less.

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Can tokens be used on Light Rail?

Yes. If you experience a problem inserting your Day Pass Token into the coin slot of a Ticket Vending Machine (TVM), please wait four seconds and reinsert token until a day pass is issued. If the problem continues, try a differnt Day Pass Token. VTA appreciates your patience while this problem is corrected.

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Does VTA have a lost and found office?

Yes, if you have lost items on a VTA Bus or Light rail please call:

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What service does the Altamont Commuter Express (ACE) offer?

ACE links Central Valley residents with Silicon Valley jobs during weekday commute hours. ACE operates morning and afternoon service with stops in Stockton, Lathrop-Manteca, Tracy, Vasco, Livermore, Pleasanton, Fremont, Santa Clara and San Jose. For more information call (408) 321-2300, TDD only (408) 321-2330 or visit www.acerail.com.

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