Content oversight and quality assurance provided by Bay Area News Group.
Bay Area News Group advertising leadership oversees sponsored, native, and paid content on this platform, ensuring its quality, relevance, and helpfulness for our audience.
Articles attributed to this byline are authored by paying advertisers. The editorial team did not contribute to these pieces, and the opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of the editorial staff. Refer to our partner statement to better understand the nature of the relationship.
The sponsor retains responsibility for the content and holds the copyright to their material.
Ensuring that mobility and accessibility are available to everyone in Santa Clara County is a top priority for Valley Transportation Authority (VTA). Alongside accessible bus and light rail services, VTA’s ACCESS Paratransit services are available for those who are unable to independently use VTA’s fixed-route system due to their physical, visual or cognitive disabilities.
ACCESS Paratransit is a shared-ride public transportation service that provides exterior door-to-exterior door transportation during the same service hours and areas as local bus and light rail services. Riders can expect multiple pick ups and drop offs along their trips, just like a bus.
VTA operates a diverse paratransit fleet including cutaways, minivans, sedans, and taxis. The fare for a regular one-way paratransit trip is established at twice the one-way adult cash fare of VTA’s fixed-route bus and light rail services.
Determining Eligibility for VTA ACCESS
Any individual with a disability who is interested in ADA paratransit services is required to go through VTA’s eligibility certification process, which includes a one-page Data Card followed by a phone interview. An applicant’s conservator, guardian or legal representative should provide supporting documentation with the Data Card.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) establishes the criteria for paratransit eligibility. Specifically, eligibility is based upon functional inability to use the bus or light rail system, some or all of the time. Eligibility is not based on age, economic condition or inability to drive an automobile. Please note that having a medical condition or a disability does not automatically qualify someone as ADA paratransit eligible.
Learn more about applications, fares and trip information by visiting VTA’s ACCESS Paratransit Service webpage.
Mystery Rider Program
VTA’s Mystery Rider Program is an initiative designed to gather feedback from ACCESS Paratransit clients to improve the quality and reliability of VTA’s services. By employing anonymous mystery riders, VTA can identify strengths and weaknesses to help enhance services and ensure an inclusive and positive transportation experience for all riders.
All eligible ACCESS Paratransit clients with active client IDs can participate in the program. Personal Care Attendants (PCA) may accompany clients for free during the trip but are not eligible to sign up for the program or complete the survey. PCAs may assist the client in completing the survey if needed. Each client is eligible to participate in the program one time only.
Mystery Riders provide feedback on the following service areas:
Safety: Perception of security during the trip.
Reliability: On-time performance and communication about delays or changes.
Accessibility: Ease of use for riders with mobility, cognitive or sensory needs.
Customer Service: Interactions with reservationists, dispatch and drivers.
Fleet Maintenance: Cleanliness and condition of vehicles.
Learn more about the program and how to participate by visiting VTA’s Mystery Rider Program webpage.
Mobility Assistance Program
The Mobility Assistance Program (MAP) is designed to address transportation gaps and barriers for Santa Clara County’s Equity Priority Communities, including older adults, individuals with disabilities and low-income residences. MAP reflects VTA’s commitment to innovative solutions and partnerships that empower individuals to achieve greater mobility and independence.
How MAP Works
MAP offers various transportation resources to support community members in the most effective way possible. Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) handle all application-related questions as well as administration and distribution of transportation resources. While VTA oversees the program, assistance with the application process is provided by partner agencies, not VTA.
Eligibility and Application
MAP is open to residents who meet the eligibility criteria, including individuals from Equity Priority Communities. Interested individuals can learn more about the eligibility criteria and application by contacting one of the five partner agencies listed below:
Salvation Army (SA)
Only for residential program participants.
Silicon Valley Independent Living Center (SVILC)
Address: 25 N 14th St #1000, San Jose, CA 95112
Phone: 408-894-9041
Catholic Charities (CC)
Address: 2625 Zanker Rd #201, San Jose, CA 95134
Phone: 408-468-0100
Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (VBC)
Address: 101 N. Bascom Ave, San Jose, CA 95128
Phone: 408-295-4016
St. John Vianney (SJV)
Address: 4600 Hyland Ave, San Jose, CA 95127
Phone: 408-258-7832