Home > Business & Employment > About VTA

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district that provides sustainable, accessible, community-focused transportation options that are innovative, environmentally responsible, and promote the vitality of our region. VTA provides bus, light rail, and paratransit services, as well as participates as a funding partner in regional rail service including Caltrain, Capital Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express. As the county’s congestion management agency, VTA is responsible for countywide transportation planning, including congestion management, design and construction of specific highway, pedestrian, and bicycle improvement projects, as well as promotion of transit oriented development. VTA provides these services throughout the county, including the municipalities of Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale. VTA continually builds partnerships to deliver transportation solutions that meet the evolving mobility needs of Santa Clara County.

VTA was created in 1972 pursuant to the Santa Clara County Transit District Act. Effective December 1, 1994, VTA became the Congestion Management Agency in Santa Clara County, undertaking the responsibility for countywide transportation planning and funding and for managing the county’s blueprint to reduce congestion and improve air quality.

Prior to January 1, 1995, the County Board of Supervisors served as the Board of Directors of VTA. Effective January 1, 1995, pursuant to State legislation, VTA has operated under a separate Board of Directors composed of County and city representatives. On January 1, 2000, pursuant to State legislation, VTA’s name was officially changed from the Santa Clara County Transit District.