Implementing transit and speed improvements are the first step toward achieving VTA’s Visionary Network, an aspirational blueprint for future transit service in Santa Clara County. At the core of this vision are across-the-board frequency and hours of operation enhancements to today’s bus and light rail network, designed to support the region’s growing population.

As a first step in making the Visionary Network become reality, VTA’s Speed and Reliability Program is launching with a focus on three areas: transit signal priority, eliminating barriers to cashless payments, and capital improvements on VTA’s infrastructure. The Speed and Reliability program, formerly known as the Fast Transit Program, will help VTA understand community and transit rider priorities on where these improvements are most needed.

Reaching VTA’s transit “North Star” requires improvements to our infrastructure and network. Higher frequencies mean that transit vehicles run more often. This requires buses to be fast and reliable to reduce the total number of buses necessary to provide the service. This also keeps buses moving along their routes at appropriate distances, without bunching behind each other.  The Speed and Reliability Program will help direct and prioritize these interconnected efforts to meet Visionary Network goals.  

VTA is committed to an equitable and inclusive public engagement process that centers the voices of community members and stakeholders. For this project, VTA will be partnering with a team of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) to co-create engagement strategies and ensure that broad, diverse, comprehensive feedback is incorporated into decision-making processes. Representatives from the following organizations will be advising on this project: Nueva Vida Community, RYDE, Vietnamese Voluntary Foundation, Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, West Valley Community Services, and Yu-Ai-Kai Japanese American Community Senior Service. The CBO Working Group will meet through the end of 2026, providing a steady opportunity for conversations about the priorities of the County.

Community Engagement  

In addition, our project team will be out in the community taking feedback on where within VTA’s transit riders feel that speed and reliability improvements are most needed. Talk to our team at any of these upcoming events! *More dates will be added. Schedule is subject to change. 

• Friday, December 6 –  La Placita Tropicana (Story & King Roads, San Jose), 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm 
• Saturday, December 7 – Gilroy Holiday Parade, 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
• Thursday, January 16 – Diridon Station, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm