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Transit Agency Supports National Night Out Goals

Release Number:	nr07-14
Release Date:	Jul 31, 2009

Passenger Safety, Crime Prevention Programs at Forefront for VTA 

San Jose, Calif. –The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is committed to safety. VTA sponsors multiple safety-oriented programs that work to achieve the same goals as those of National Night Out (NNO), including: heightening awareness of crime prevention programs; strengthening neighborhood-law enforcement agency ties; and sending a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. 
           
NNO is an annual event, this year slated for the evening of Tuesday, August 4. Last year, over 10,000 NNO events took place nationally, with dozens here in Santa Clara County. VTA will have bi-lingual representatives this year at one of the largest local events, which is held annually at the Emma Prusch Farm Park in San Jose.

“The City of San Jose and the VTA aspire to create communities of committed neighbors who look out for one another -- that is the spirit and purpose of National Night Out,” said Sam Liccardo, City of San Jose Council member and VTA Vice-Chair. “I always enjoy participating in the many National Night Out events in downtown San Jose and throughout all of Santa Clara County.”

Among the resources that will be available to the public will be information on VTA’s Transit Watch Program, which is patterned after the popular Neighborhood Watch program. Through audio announcements, printed educational materials, and school presentations, VTA actively encourages its riders to be active partners in keeping VTA a crime-free public transportation service. Riders and others are urged to immediately report any suspicious circumstances to either a VTA employee or by calling 911. 

 Another VTA effort that helps keep its riders safe is the Night Stop Program. As a safety measure, a VTA bus operator can stop at a location that is closer to a rider’s final destination than the regular stop, providing it is along the designated route. This service is available after evening peak hours until the morning rush hour, and is for deboarding only. Special stops are made only when and where the operator feels it is safe to pull over. 

VTA riders and others interested in attending a National Night Out event in their local community can contact their local police department for information. If transportation to the event is needed, please contact VTA Customer Service. Web-based trip planning services are available at www.vta.org and phone-based information is available at (408) 321-2300, TTY for the hearing impaired at  (408) 321-2330. VTA also maintains an toll-free number for calls from the 650 area code and South Santa Clara County toll areas; (800) 894-9908.

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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 throughout the county including the cities of 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 Clara County

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