Effective September 15, 2025
What is ACCESS Paratransit and how does it operate?
VTA ACCESS Paratransit is a shared ride public transportation service for eligible individuals with disabilities who are unable to independently use accessible bus and light rail due to physical, visual, or cognitive impairments. Standard service area operates within ¾ mile of VTA bus and light rail routes. Premium service area is one mile outside the standard area.
What is changing on September 15th, 2025?
As part of VTA’s 2025 Transit Service Plan, VTA ACCESS Paratransit is updating its service area to align with changes in the fixed route bus and light rail network. These updates ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and maintain consistency between paratransit and VTA’s fixed-route services.
Key changes:
Fremont Service Update
- VTA ACCESS will no longer service the Fremont area, which is outside Santa Clara County and not serviced by the fixed-route system. Trips originating from Santa Clara County to destinations within Fremont will no longer be supported by VTA ACCESS.
- ACCESS clients traveling into Fremont will now need to request a Regional Transfer Trip through the Warm Springs/South Fremont BART station as the designated transfer point, where East Bay Paratransit will complete the trip.
- Regional Transfer Trips can be booked by calling VTA ACCESS Call Center (408) 321-2380 to book their Regional Transfer Trip.
Regional Transfer Location
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All regional transfers between VTA ACCESS and East Bay Paratransit will be limited to the Warm Springs/South Fremont BART Station, in accordance with the VTA-BART Operations and Maintenance (OM) Agreement.
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Fremont BART Station will no longer be used as a transfer location.
Why is Fremont Service Area being affected?
Fremont lies outside Santa Clara County and the VTA service boundary. Adjusting service ensures compliance with ADA requirements while focusing resources within VTA’s core service area.
Where can I check if my trip is within the service area?
Use VTA’s Paratransit Service Area Tool to check any address:
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Enter your address and select weekday, Saturday, or Sunday service to see if it is within the standard area, premium area, or outside the service area.
What outreach has been done to inform riders?
VTA has implemented multiple outreach methods to ensure impacted clients are informed:
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Paratransit Website: Updated on August 6, 2025 with detailed information and the Service Area Tool.
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ACCESS Phone System Announcement & MyACCESS Online: Service notice posted on July 25, 2025.
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Customer Letters: Mailed to all impacted clients in early August.
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Automated Calls: Made on August 11, 2025, to notify impacted clients directly.
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Coordination Meetings: Outreach to partner transit agencies, including BART and AC Transit, to coordinate transfer planning.
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Social Media Post: Published September 10th, 2025 on Instagram and Facebook.
What support is available for impacted riders?
VTA offers transitional support through the Mobility Assistance Program (MAP)MAP is designed to address transportation gaps and barriers for Santa Clara County’s Equity Priority Communities, including older adults, individuals with disabilities, and low- income residents through the distribution of transit vouchers, gas cards and paratransit credit fares.
Partner agencies are available to guide clients through the MAP application process and distribute transportation resources to eligible participants.
To learn more or begin your MAP application, please contact one of VTA’s partner agencies directly.
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Salvation Army (SA) Only for residential program participants.
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Silicon Valley Independent Living Center (SVILC) Address: 25 N 14th St #1000, San Jose, CA 95112 Phone: 408-894-9041
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Catholic Charities (CC)
Address: 2625 Zanker Rd #201, San Jose, CA 95134
Phone: 408-468-0100 -
Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (VBC) Address: 101 N. Bascom Ave, San Jose, CA 95128 Phone: 408-295-4016
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St. John Vianney (SJV)
Address: 4600 Hyland Ave, San Jose, CA 95127
Phone: 408-258-7832