Connecting directly with riders is an important part of how VTA continues to improve accessibility and the customer experience. VTA’s latest Coffee with the Community brought the Regional Transportation Services (RTS) team together with riders at the Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired in San Jose on September 23 for conversations about ACCESS services, upcoming initiatives and the experiences that matter most to the people who use them.

The morning opened with updates from Chief Government Affairs Officer Beverly Greene and Chief Communications Officer Patrice Smith on several VTA ACCESS initiatives designed to provide riders with more accessible and flexible travel options.

Beverly shared information about the One-Seat Ride Regional Paratransit Pilot, which launched October 1st. Funded in partnership with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), the pilot eliminates the need to transfer vehicles on eligible cross-county trips between VTA ACCESS and East Bay Paratransit. She also invited community members to get involved with VTA’s Committee for Transportation Mobility & Accessibility (CTMA) and help provide input on transit and accessibility priorities.

Patrice highlighted the new GoACCESS mobile app, which allows riders to book, track, modify or cancel trips and receive real-time vehicle information. She also introduced GoGo ACCESS, a pilot program providing eligible VTA ACCESS riders with Uber voucher credits to help meet same-day and peak-hour transportation needs.

Attendees also heard from VTA’s paratransit team about ACCESS operations and from Via Assist about on-demand rideshare options supported through California’s Access for All initiative.

But the most important part of the morning was hearing directly from riders. During small-group conversations, participants shared their experiences with daily trips, booking and ACCESS services with VTA staff. This face-to-face feedback helps VTA better understand rider needs and identify opportunities to continue improving accessibility and the customer experience.

RTS Manager Rachelle Tagud closed the event by thanking attendees, staff and community partners for sharing their time and perspectives.

Coffee with the Community is one of the ways VTA continues building connections with the people who rely on our services. We look forward to continuing the conversation at future community outreach events.