Travel Training

What is Travel Training?

VTA’s Mobility Options Program offers FREE one-on-one or group training to help persons with disabilities and older adults learn to use bus and light rail systems safely and confidently to get to places like shopping malls, medical facilities, recreation areas, civic buildings and colleges.

Who should participate?

Individuals with physical, cognitive and visual, disabilities and older adults who wish to become familiar and confident in using public transportation for greater independence.

How is travel training accomplished?

The travel trainer will customize the learning experience to meet the needs of the individual. The step-by-step process emphasizes safety while building confidence and travel skills.

How long will training last?

Time spent on training is based on the individual’s need. Instructors will spend as little or as much time with each person until they are comfortable traveling on their own.

Travel training can lead to greater independence and enable individuals to travel where they want, when they want. As an independent traveler, one will be able to rely less on family and friends for transportation and have the freedom to plan their trips according to their own schedule.

What skills will be learned?

The travel training program is tailored to meet the needs of the individual and may include the following topics:

• Requesting bus information
• Trip planning
• Reading bus schedules
• Boarding and exiting
• Identifying landmarks
• Transferring from one bus to another
• Pedestrian safety including street crossing, and stranger awareness
• Using the wheelchair lift and securement system
• Using and understanding fare options

With confidence and skills to travel independently, one will enjoy the benefits of using the public transportation system.

Benefits of riding VTA Bus and Light Rail systems

• Easy and accessible
• Low cost, saves money 
• Greater independence and same day travel
• Convenient, travel when you want to go, no need to make advance reservations
• Enhances mobility options
• Saves gas and other resources
• Good for the environment
• Reduces traffic congestion

Access, Opportunity, Freedom and Choice! Available through the use of public transportation!

All Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) buses, light rail trains and transit facilities are accessible. Ramps and lifts allow easy access to get on and off the buses and light rail trains. There are more than 3,700 VTA bus stops, 62 light rail stations and 15 transit centers at shopping malls, colleges, and train stations to help you get to exciting places all over the county and the region.

“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope or confidence.” – Helen Keller

The CHOICE is yours! Let VTA help take you where you want to go!

To request travel training contact:
VTA’s Customer Service
(408) 321-2300 e-mail: customer.service@vta.org.