Written by
Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
California’s Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) on Aug. 29 resumed partial light rail service. In addition, the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) on Aug. 30 launched CharmFlex, a discounted three- and 10-day pass for flexible commuter travel.
VTA trains on Aug. 29 began operating along the Orange Line, which serves the Mountain View Caltrain Station, Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Milpitas Transit Center/BART Station and Alum Rock Light Rail Station in East San Jose (see map below). Starting Aug. 30, and until further notice, trains will operate along the entire Orange Line and part of the Green line, with bus bridge service continuing. Service on the Orange Line will run from 5:30 a.m. to midnight (every 20 minutes until 8 p.m., and every 30 minutes thereafter). Service on the Green Line will run from Civic Center to Old Ironsides from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. (every 20 minutes until 8 p.m., and every 30 minutes thereafter). Light rail fares will not be collected until Sept. 13, 2021.
A bus bridge will run along First Street from Paseo de San Antonio to Baypointe and onto Milpitas Transit Center/BART Station. It will operate every 30 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Light rail service had been suspended since the May 26 shooting at the Guadalupe Yard. There were 10 fatalities and multiple injuries. The gunman, a VTA employee, was among the dead.