News Releases
Archived
Solar Panels Now Lighting Many VTA Bus Shelters
| Release Number: | nr06-09 |
| Release Date: | Jun 24, 2009 |
62 Solar Systems Now in Place
San José, Calif. — By utilizing small, state-of-the-art solar collector panels, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), in partnership with Clear Channel Outdoor, is now leaving the lights on for nighttime bus passengers at previously unlit bus shelters throughout much of Santa Clara County.
“VTA and its partners are constantly examining new technologies for ways to enhance our customer service,” said VTA General Manager Michael T. Burns. The solar powered lighting is especially beneficial for passengers during the winter, when it gets dark outside during peak service hours.
A new bus shelter, complete with the solar panel and lights, was dedicated earlier this month in San Jose at the intersection of Williams and Boynton Roads on VTA’s popular Route 25. Beginning with that first new shelter, a total of 62 bus shelters have since been either installed or retrofitted with solar powered lights. The locations are in the cities of Campbell, Gilroy, Milpitas, Mountain View, San Jose, Santa Clara, and Sunnyvale.
The panels collect enough energy during the day to power energy efficient LED lights in the shelter later that night. The public benefits from the lighted shelters, as do bus operators who can more easily see if a passenger is waiting for their bus. And VTA’s carbon footprint is reduced because the shelters don’t have to be hooked up to the PG&E electrical grid.
VTA, 11 local cities, and the County of Santa Clara are partners in a transit shelter advertising program with Clear Channel Outdoor. Clear Channel provides and maintains bus shelters at no cost to VTA or the other participants while, in return, it is allowed to place advertising in the shelters. Unlit shelters placed as part of the advertising program are now being retrofitted with the solar panels in order to better benefit VTA patrons.
Go To Top
About VTA
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district that provides sustainable, accessible, community-focused transportation options that are innovative, environmentally responsible, and promote the vitality of our region. VTA is responsible for bus, light rail and paratransit operations; congestion management; specific highway improvement projects; countywide transportation planning and provides these services to cities throughout the county including Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Palo Alto San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale. VTA continually builds partnerships to deliver transportation solutions that meet the evolving mobility needs of Santa ClaraCounty
###
Rider's Links 
