Alyssa Jones

ecently turned 19-year old Alyssa Jones rides VTA’s light rail everywhere.  Today is Jones’ birthday and she has decided that she will not be attending class at San Jose State University like usual but instead, she is giving herself a day of meeting friends for shopping and overall fun. She sits at the upper level light rail platform at Great Mall Transit Center and enjoys the cool breeze. The break is especially welcoming to Jones, who is originally from Southern California and has been in the Bay Area since August. Jones explained that the transit systems here differ greatly from those in Ventura County. Fortunately, Jones can depend on her new circle of friends.

“I have a roommate that showed me the ropes. It’s completely different here; getting to a destination is not hard, but it isn’t as easy getting back,” said Jones. 

As Jones discusses her experience as a VTA passenger, she looks below at the Great Mall and talks about the nice people she has met and how it was her first time at the mall. There’s been a lot of firsts for Jones lately. Having spent only a few months on the bus and light rail system, Jones has learned to get around the valley with ease. Jones says she is satisfied with VTA’s service.

“It’s pretty convenient, especially for students. You can avoid parking at crowded malls and get your groceries and other errands done pretty quickly.”

Jones typically can be found doing homework on light rail, reading and, she confides, people-watching, a favorite pastime of hers. On this day though, it’s not about other people; it’s her day and she has opted to roam the valley taking VTA.