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VTA Prepares for Back to School Season

Release Number:	nr08-11
Release Date:	Aug 20, 2009

                              Bus and Light Rail Ready for Students

San Jose, Calif. – As students from Gilroy to Palo Alto return to school this week, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) encourages everyone to consider taking public transit to avoid potential traffic congestion. With many school districts and San Jose State University back in session, VTA is working with local schools to ensure students taking VTA to classes are served. 

In order to accommodate more people on both its light rail and bus systems, VTA is adjusting its deployment of transit vehicles to address potential passenger overload during peak student ridership hours.

“Taking public transit offers students multiple benefits; it’s a healthy alternative to driving, its good for the environment and, perhaps most importantly, riding public transportation is a cost-efficient alternative that saves them money,” said VTA General Manager Michael T. Burns.

A surge of vehicles on the roadways is expected as students return to school.  According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), however, a household can reduce its carbon emissions by 10 percent when replacing one solo driver.  In addition, APTA projects that driver can save $9,137 annually by riding public transportation instead of driving.

However, those who do opt to drive are reminded to do so carefully as more people, especially children, are expected on the roadways. 

The back to school season is an ideal time to consider purchasing VTA passes. For individual trip planning or details about VTA passes, please contact VTA’s Customer Service Center at (408) 321-2300, TTY for the hearing-impaired only, (408) 321-2330. Or log onto www.vta.org and click on any blue envelope icon to sign-up for VTA bus/light rail email updates.

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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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