Palo Alto Community Transit Study

In August 2007 the VTA Board of Directors adopted a new Bus Service Operating Plan, which will make major modifications to the current bus transit network.   The Plan was the product of the Comprehensive Operations Analysis (COA), an 18-month effort to develop a transit investment policy, evaluate market opportunities and identify improvements to VTA’s bus transit network. 

When adopting the new bus service plan, the VTA Board recognized that Palo Alto is unique in Santa Clara County because many different operators provide transit service in the City.  As a result, the Board asked VTA staff to work cooperatively with representatives from the City and other operators on a citywide study to explore ways all the services can better work together to serve the community.

Study Objective and Approach

The objective of the Palo Alto Community Transit Study is to determine the best routes for transit in Palo Alto, regardless of who operates the bus.  The VTA Board asked that the study produce a recommendation for new transit service by December 2007.  Because the New Bus Service Plan will go into effect in January 2008 and VTA service changes require four months of lead time, any modifications to VTA service generated through the study will likely occur in July 2008.

The Study is a comprehensive analysis of transit services provided by multiple operators in Palo Alto including City Shuttles, Stanford Marguerite Shuttle,   SamTrans buses, Dumbarton Express, Caltrain Shuttles and VTA Express and Local services.  The study builds upon the COA by supplementing the market analysis and conducting an enhanced outreach program with the general public, city staff, elected officials and interested stakeholder groups.  The design of the study is centered on three community meetings and the development of both service concepts and marketing plans.

Study Schedule

VTA staff began the Palo Alto Community Transit Study in early September.  Community meetings are scheduled in October, November, and December. In order to meet the schedule directed by the VTA Board, staff is planning to present a recommended service plan to the Palo Alto City Council on December 17, 2007 and return to VTA’s Transit Planning and Operations (TP&O) Committee with a recommendation at its December 20, 2007 meeting.

Public Workshops and Meetings

To view the route proposals and materials which were presented at the November 13, 2007 meeting on the Palo Alto Community Transit go to:  www.cityofpaloalto.org/knowzone/city_projects/transportation/bus_study.asp

Tell us what you think!  

Your input is critical to designing local bus routes and transit service that will meet the needs of to Palo Alto residents and travelers. You make submit your written comments by email to coa@vta.org or send them to VTA Community Outreach Department, 3331 North First Street, Bldg. B, San Jose, CA 95134.