Caltrain and VTA Announce Holiday Changes to Schedules and Fares

With the average price of gas more than $3 in Mountain View, some people may turn to public transportation for travel.

However, customers should be aware of the public transit changes that could affect their time and wallet.

During the Christmas holiday weekend, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) will reduce its bus and light rail service.

Most express, limited stop and Rapid 522 buses, as well as the light rail shuttles, the Dumbarton Express and ACE train and shuttles will not be in service.

On Christmas Eve, VTA will cancel routes 101, 102, 103, 104, 120, 121, 122, 140, 168, 182, 304, 321, 328, 330, DASH and light rail Commuter Express trips. All other bus and light rail service will operate on a regular weekday schedule.

On Christmas Day, bus and light rail service will operate on a Sunday and holiday schedule.

VTA's Express Bus 180 and 181, the Highway 17 Express, Caltrain, and Monterey to San Jose Express will operate on a Sunday and holiday schedule.

Beginning New Year's Day, the Caltrain fare for each zone will increase 25 cents, with multi-ride tickets and passes adjusted accordingly.

Now a trip between Mountain View, in zone three, to San Francisco, in zone one, costs $6 one way. As of Jan. 1, when changes go into effect, each trip north will cost $6.75. The price of the Go Pass will increase from $140 to $155. The fare for a one-way ticket from San Francisco to San Jose will increase from $7.75 to $8.50. The increase will generate approximately $1.4 million in additional revenue this fiscal year. The last fare increase was implemented in January 2009.

In addition, four midday trains will be eliminated as a way to close a $2.3 million gap in its operating budget next year. This would impact the northbound 9:59 a.m. and 2:59 p.m. trains—numbers 237 and 257—out of Mountain View and the southbound limited stop trains—numbers 236 and 256—that depart at 9:37 a.m. and 2:57 p.m. out of the San Francisco King Street station.

For information about VTA's holiday call the 24-hour customer service center at 408-321-2300. For Caltrain information call 800-660-4287.

— Additional reporting by Bay City News