Supporting Our Campus Community During VTA Service Disruptions

Sent: March 25, 2025

From: Vincent J. Del Casino, Jr., Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dear Colleagues,

As the Valley Transportation Agency’s (VTA) strike enters its third week, we know this prolonged labor action is impacting our campus—specifically, the ability of our students and colleagues to maintain class and commute routines. Please see below important information related to the disruption.

Continued Flexibility with Students
We are sending a campus message to students today outlining options for them, including potential financial relief through SJSU Cares and the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office. However, these remedies may not be enough to change the circumstances for some students who are simply unable to get to campus for their classes because of the lack of transportation through VTA.

As we discussed as the strike began several weeks ago, we are reiterating the need for flexibility with students as they navigate this challenging time. We recognize that these disruptions are creating significant barriers for students in attending class, arriving on time, or meeting in-person commitments.

A survey conducted late last week by AS Transportation Solutions indicated that 11% of those who responded are unable to come to class because of the strike and nearly 85.5% said the strike has been a major disruption to their ability to get to campus. Your support in helping students and colleagues manage their academic responsibilities during this period is greatly appreciated.

Uber Vouchers for Employees
We also want to share an option available to faculty and staff. Beginning March 24, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. VTA riders can receive Uber vouchers for qualified trips. Information about the Voucher process is located here.

VTA is offering vouchers for Uber service of up to $5.00 for each ride with a maximum of 2 rides per day. Rides must begin and end at a VTA bus stop, light rail stop or transit center (ideally a location where you can be safely picked up by Uber) and must be ordered on Uber's mobile app. The rideshare company has geo-coded all of VTA's transit stops onto the app so that the system knows when a ride is being hailed in close proximity to a VTA stop. Riders will pay the first $2.50 of any qualified ride, after which a $5.00 voucher will take effect. Any additional costs after the $5.00 voucher will also be paid by the customer.

Spartans Take Care of Spartans
We will continue to explore potential solutions to support students, faculty and staff during the strike and will communicate any additional options to the campus. Thank you for your understanding and for your continued dedication to student success.

Sincerely,
Vin