Pandemic update: Santa Clara VTA to resume light-rail service

Rail News Home Passenger Rail 4/7/2020 Rail News: Passenger Rail
VTA suspended light-rail service after an operator trainee tested positive for COVID-19Photo – VTA

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority on April 9 will resume weekday light-rail service after a two-week closure. 

The authority suspended light-rail service after a light-rail operator trainee tested positive for COVID-19. During the suspension, the agency deep-cleaned its rail cars and began replacing upholstery seats with vinyl, VTA officials said in a press release.

Fares will not be collected when service resumes.

Meanwhile, several passenger-rail agencies in the United States and Canada are further reducing service and implementing other measures to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Following is a summary of recent updates by agency:
 

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) in California tomorrow will further reduce its rail service by canceling every other train. This move will potentially save $3 million to $7 million per month of the operating budget, BART officials said in a press release. The savings is realized by shifting employees to capital improvement projects that are not funded by the operating budget. VIA Rail Canada Inc. extended suspension of service between Toronto and Vancouver and the Prince Rupert-Prince George-Jasper service until June 1. New Jersey Transit yesterday began operating the Hudson-Bergen light-rail service on a reduced weekend schedule. Sound Transit in Seattle tomorrow will further reduce weekday Sounder South commuter-rail service to seven round trips. Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority in Austin, Texas, this month suspended fare collection. San Diego Metropolitan Transit System on April 13 will reduce trolley and bus service by about 25 percent.