Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why does VTA need to reduce service?

VTA is experiencing a budgetary shortfall estimated to be $70 million over the next two fiscal years. The service reduction will help to fill a budget deficit caused by the elimination of the state transit fund and a decline in sales tax revenue. VTA has implemented many other cost saving strategies, including implementing employee furloughs, wage freezes, fare increase, but additional measures must be taken to close the budget gap.

2. Why is so much service reduced on the weekends?

The overall service cut is 8%, with weekday service being cut 8%, Saturday service 10% and Sunday service 16%. Cuts are based on ridership levels, with underperforming lines being affected more. VTA’s goal in determining cuts has been to affect the fewest number of riders possible.

3. How do I find out if my bus route is affected?

We have made this information available through many channels. 

• The Service Reductions website 
• VTA’s Interactive Voice Response system by calling (408) 321-2300
• Speaking to an Information Service Representative by calling (408) 321-2300
• Brochures that can be found at many locations around the county, including libraries, government buildings, and Social Services agencies. We can also mail you material if you email your request to schedules@vta.org or call (408) 321-2300
• Media outlets such as the San Jose Mercury News, radio stations, cable channels

4. How do these service reductions impact Paratransit service?

VTA’s Paratransit service, which is provided through Outreach, is tied to the fixed route service area and times offered by VTA buses and light rail. Paratransit is offered within ¾ mile of any fixed route service during the same operating hours of the fixed route service; for an additional fare, premium service is offered for an addition 1 mile. As some lines are deleted, or change service area or hours, so too will Paratransit service area and hours change.  You will find more details in the VTA Paratransit Fact Sheet or by calling VTA at (408) 321-2300. If you use Paratransit and will be affected by VTA’s service reduction, please call Outreach at (408) 436-2865 to find any possible alternative service. Outreach offers other subsidized programs that may fill the gap in service left by our service reductions.

5. I heard Line 76 might be deleted.  What is happening with that route?

Line 76 offers service between Los Gatos and Summit Road in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The primary riders of line 76 are students attending Los Gatos High School. The line is identified for deletion, but to provide more time for the families of the students who rely on the line to explore alternative transportation options, service will continue as scheduled until the end of the 2009/2010 school year.

6. I heard the River Oaks Shuttle might be deleted.  What is happening with that route?

The River Oaks Shuttle is subsidized by the Shea River Oaks Association and grant money from the Transportation Fund for Clean Air. Ridership for the first quarter of FY09 has dropped 26%, so due to the shuttle’s underperformance VTA will discontinue the River Oaks shuttle after July 9, 2010 as part of the service reduction plan. 

7. Is it true that Line 22 will no longer operate late night?

Line 22 will continue to offer 24 hour service. Some riders of line 22 rely on late night and early morning service because they work graveyard or swing shifts.  Based on feedback from the public as well as VTA’s ridership figures, it has been decided to continue to offer 24 hour service on line 22.