Spartan Daily - Serving San Jose State University since 1934

Issue date: 1/30/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Anne Rigor The Valley Transportation Authority, or VTA, implemented new changes to 90 percent of the bus routes. Most changes are minor.

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority altered its service on more than 90 percent of its bus routes Jan. 14.

The changes affected 13 existing VTA routes that run directly to SJSU and include two new express routes and one new community bus route that stops at SJSU.

"The changes to the routes should generally help students," said Andy Chow, Commute Coordinator for SJSU Transportation Solutions. "Those along the Stevens Creek corridor will be benefited by the changes. Service along Alum Rock is improved - but some people like the changes and some don't."

Duncan Mac Dougall, a senior industrial technology major, said he has already run into trouble with the changes. "The 81 (bus) completely missed the stop while I was waiting," said Mac Dougall. But he did say that that the VTA gave adequate notice before the changes were implemented.

According to a Jan. 14 VTA press release, VTA's board of directors approved the changes last August "to improve efficiencies and position the service to attract more riders." Eight of the lines running directly to SJSU will see an increased frequency of buses, especially during mid-day and evening hours.

"If my sister wouldn't have told me I wouldn't have known which bus to take," said Desiree Victorio, a junior health science major. She said her bus number changed, but the route stayed the same.

Chow said that of the changes are simply realignments, with the service remaining more or less the same to many of the routes.

"I just noticed they're all changed right now," said Anthony Garcia, a junior business major. But Garcia said the route changes don't affect him. "I take the bus home, and its still the same route. There isn't much inconvenience."


Novim Spencer, a junior recreation major, said she hasn't really been affected by the changes.

"One bus line was switched; the 81 doesn't go by my house anymore," she said. "I made sure to go on the trip planning Web site and check it out."

For more on the changes, go to the Transportation Solutions Web site http://as.sjsu.edu/asts/ or visit Room 235 on the main level of the Student Union.

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