Seniors and those with disabilities who are isolated and have few mobility resources can now get a free roundtrip ride to a COVID vaccination clinic where the paratransit driver will wait while the vaccine is administered and take the client home directly after.

VTA’s regular Access Paratransit service requires that separate reservations be made for each leg of a trip, and drivers do not wait after drop-off. Those rides to vaccination clinics are also free, however the new program in cooperation with Santa Clara County serves those who need more acute attention, like Ferdinand Mangaoang, who was paralyzed by a stroke and is confined to a specialized wheelchair. Mangaoang’s son Robinson was relieved to find the service for his father, whom he is not able to transport by himself.

VTA can currently provide 50 free specially planned rides per day to vaccination sites throughout the County, with the capacity to expand that number if necessary. Clients for this service must be referred by Santa Clara County and have a vaccination appointment reserved. Those arrangements can be made by calling 408-809-2124.

For those who can use regular Access Paratransit service, please call 408-321-2380. Due to a technology interruption at VTA, all reservations are being made over the telephone. We appreciate your patience in the event of a long hold time.

As a reminder, all VTA public transit rides to COVID vaccination clinics, including bus, light rail and paratransit, are free.