Rachel Alverado

achel Alvarado works at Nike at the Great Mall of America in Milpitas.

 An avid VTA rider, Alvarado depends on public transportation to get to her job. On this particular day, her work is officially done and she is seen enjoying the weather as she waits for her ride home.  It’s just before the evening rush hour and there are a limited number of people at the transit center. Alvarado had placed all of her bags next to her and looked pretty cozy waiting for Bus Line 71. It’s her daily route home and she is content with the changes she’s seen as a result of VTA’s recent improvements to its core bus network.

I’ve been taking VTA for a year and I like it because it is frequent, rapid and the buses are comfortable,” said Alvardo.

Alvarado is familiar with both bus and light rail. She used to live in Fremont and currently in San Jose. She is satisfied with VTA’s service and admits she is very dependant on the systems. Alvarado explains that economically, it’s a good option for her fixed budget.

“I enjoy the mall and the movies, so in comparison, it’s really reasonable; especially with gas being so expensive. VTA helps out a lot of people—how else would they get to work,” stated Alvarado.

Alvarado has nothing but praise for VTA, touting the friendliness of the bus drivers and the overall satisfaction she has for the service the agency provides.   When asked if she would change anything about the system, she volunteered faster routes for VTA’s light rail could help speed everyone along.