Riding the VTA #23

April 14, 2012, Saturday

Hopped on the 23 at De Anza College 12:10 p.m.

Arrived Valley Fair 12:45 p.m., 35 minute ride for $2, $1 if a senior, one way of course $2.50 for a day pass. Note: if you fail to purchase a day pass then you need to pay each time you hop back on the bus.

There are multiple stops along the route for Cupertino, not many of which were used. Clearly this route is designed for through traffic and not as a community line.

I have never seen so many signs in one place telling me what to and not to do as
well as to be careful; no smoking, caution, not a handle, and many more in
various languages. Actually it seemed like a short trip by the time I was
finished reading all the signs. No one talked to each other, all pretty much
just stared straight ahead or dilly dallied with their phone. Bus driver was
very as-a-matter-of-fact. Bus was clean and appeared to be in good condition.
My guess is that about 50 people rode the route with me during my adventure.

All-in-all the ride there and back went pretty well. It is safe, clean, reasonably priced and easy to ride the bus. We should all ride the bus more often.

I believe Cupertino businesses would have more business if there were a “Community Bus” service from the De Anza College bus terminal just
off of Stevens Creek and Mary.

After recently traveling in Canada and Mexico I also believe people will use the bus if given a local alternative other than through bus lines like the #23.  The community will naturally need to work on promoting usage; but, that can be accomplished.

I fully intend to use the VTA more.