VTA Targets New Demographic with Free Wi-Fi and Shorter Commutes

Traffic congestion and long commutes are notorious in Silicon Valley.

But, starting today, the VTA is hoping to woo more drivers off the road with the introduction of 20 hybrid electric Express Buses to its fleet - all equipped with new amenities such as free Wi-Fi, high cushioned back seats, and reading lights.

“We’re targeting the younger and tech-savvy market,” said VTA general manager Michael Burns, standing at the side of a polished black, white and red Express Bus.

The express buses, displayed in the VTA’s Operation Division in San Jose Thursday along with 70 regular service hybrid buses, were acquired with an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant and California Proposition 1B funding. It totaled $61.2 million.

With the increase in service, some of the routes are also expanding - Express Bus Line 120 will offer extended routing from the Fremont BART to the Shoreline area in Mountain View, according to VTA spokeswoman Brandi Childress.

The buses will continue to cost $4 a ride, and will save VTA money in operational costs since they are cheaper to maintain than diesel buses, added Burns. They bring the total number of express buses to 40.

In 2011, the VTA reached out to companies such as Google - which utilizes an expansive, Wi-Fi-enhanced shuttle service for employees - for feedback. In doing so, they adjusted the schedule and eliminated under-utilized stops.

“Now we have later runs so that we can reach a segment that has more flexibility in their work day,” said Childress, pointing to tech workers who trickle into the office past 9 or 10 a.m. “We’re looking to target workers who wouldn’t normally consider public transit.”

Wi-Fi and quicker bus service will both be effective at reaching a broader demographic of riders,  said Chris Zhang of the Friends of the Cupertino Transit System, a local advocacy group which is looking to bring the same features to a Cupertino-specific bus system.

“Most of the time people don’t want to take buses because they don’t want to wait,” he said.

Yet local software engineer Abhishek Bansal, 26, remained skeptical that some of the changes would reign in more riders.

“It’s a good add-on, but almost everyone who can afford to pay for a wireless plan or buy an electronics gadget is using a smartphone or tablet with a data plan,” he said.

Still, he said, some of the buses leaving at a later time, and traveling quickly from one highly-populated area to another, would be a draw for those who previously felt the wait for a bus was too long.

Now that there’s no noisy alternators or rear door on the buses - only front ones - passengers can enjoy a quieter bus ride, said Michael Hursh, deputy director of operations at the VTA. Furthermore, the electricity on the hybrid buses no longer comes from alternators.

“It’s all about attracting new riders,” said Hursh. “We’re especially looking toward riders with a long commute, such as those from Gilroy or Fremont.”

Added Greta Helm, VTA’s chief external affairs officer, “If we can match the comfort of a car, this is a much more attractive option.”

For information about service changes and the addition of Express Buses, visit the January Service Changes page of the VTA website.

As of now, it does not appear that any of the lines with stops in Milpitas have been changed.