Amid increasing COVID-19 infections, VTA will require all 2,000 of its employees and contractors to be fully vaccinated by April 29. The public transit agency, which hinted a vaccine policy was in the pipeline last week, announced the mandate Thursday. Employees who get an approved medical or religious exemption must test negative each week in order...
San Jose wants feedback on downtown transportation plan
Downtown San Jose could look very different in 30 years. There could be more two-way streets, bicycle lanes and faster light rail. The future is being planned right now, and residents are invited to join. The city is working on a transportation plan for downtown San Jose, and wants feedback. The city’s goal is to create...
Santa Clara County transit agency to require COVID vaccines for workers
VTA will potentially mandate COVID vaccinations for its workers starting next week—a policy that may have a dramatic impact on its workforce. Workers at the Santa Clara County public transit agency will have 60 days to comply with the policy once it goes into effect, according to a company-wide memo issued earlier this week. Workers...
A new year and a rough start for San Jose traffic fatalities
San Jose officials and advocates are hoping for a reduction in traffic fatalities for 2022, but a rash of recent deaths serves as a reminder that the city has a long way to go to improve roadway safety. The San Jose Police Department recorded the city’s fourth traffic collision fatality of the year on Jan....
Gov. Newsom touts transportation goals in Santa Clara
With trains roaring in the background, Gov. Gavin Newsom joined local and state officials in Santa Clara to promote some transportation and infrastructure investments in his budget package. The proposed budget, released earlier this week, includes $9.1 billion in new transportation spending. The new source of funding advances clean energy projects to address greenhouse gas emission concerns, increase...
Santa Clara County petition sparks EPA inquiry of leaded aviation fuel
Santa Clara County officials and advocates are rejoicing as the federal government agrees to reassess the use of leaded aviation gasoline nationwide. During a news conference Wednesday, County Counsel James Williams announced the Environmental Protection Agency approved a petition from the county and several environmental organizations to evaluate whether leaded fuel used by airplanes is...
VTA approves pay bump, bonuses for Santa Clara County workers
Some VTA workers will see wage increases and a large bonus following approval of a new union contract with the public transit agency. VTA’s board of directors voted 11-1 in favor of an agreement that establishes a 10% pay raise over the next three years for members of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 265. The agreement...
San Jose airport sees big holiday crowds despite COVID
Large numbers of travelers braved Mineta San Jose International Airport over the holidays even as a new COVID-19 variant ripped through the Bay Area. An estimated 478,000 people traveled in and out of San Jose’s airport during peak holiday traffic in December. Airport spokesperson Keonnis Taylor said this data comes from the TSA, which recorded passenger traffic...
San Jose committee halts Charcot Avenue extension
Contentious plans for the Charcot Avenue Extension project in North San Jose are reaching the end of the road. San Jose’s Rules and Open Government Committee on Wednesday unanimously recommended the city halt plans to build an overpass that would cross over Interstate Highway 880 from Paragon Drive to Oakland Road and divert the remaining...
Spike in employee complaints at Santa Clara County transit agency
Amid a surge in civil rights complaints, VTA is taking applications from consultants to study how to transform the agency’s workplace culture. Data received by San José Spotlight shows 129 complaints have been filed with VTA’s Office of Civil Rights as of Dec. 9. That is significantly higher compared to last year, when employees filed 76...