Doreen Burns

oreen Burns of Liverpool, England recently visited Silicon Valley, where VTA mascot Terry Firma had the pleasure of meeting her in downtown Mountain View.

Here is a bit of Doreen’s story. “We  are used to travelling public transport in England, so during our vacation stay with friends my husband and I decided to use VTA  to see more of the area where we were staying.”

“We used the No 27 to travel along Blossom Hill Road to the Malls and also to connect with the rail link into San Jose. Also, we rode the community bus from Good Samaritan Hospital into Los Gatos,” Doreen continued.

She volunteered that her husband had visited a local library to gather information on VTA’s rail and bus services in Santa Clara County. Soon public transportation became an important part of their trip to our region.

“We took the opportunity to relax and enjoy the scenery and once some of the passengers knew that we were from England, we enjoyed exchanging conversations and friendship. It is a great way to make new friends and relax. After only two days we were recognized by the bus drivers and some of the regular passengers.”

In fact, the trip to Mountain View where they encountered Terry Firma was based on a recommendation from a VTA bus operator.

She shared some kind words about our service with Terry Firma. “We found all of the buses and trains were very well maintained and clean. They were always on time, and for $2.50 exceptional value for the money. What a way to not only save money but to also make you feel that you are saving the environment—no pollution! It's crazy that more people don't use the public transportation system.

The best part of Doreen’s story?—besides praising VTA’s service of course—she left the schedules and route maps with her Silicon Valley friends, along with a suggestion they give VTA a try themselves.

Finally, Terry Firma says hi, along with a message to Doreen that she and her husband are welcome back anytime (and that he’d love to have a Liverpool bus token for his collection).