VTA

VTA GM/CEO Carolyn Gonot joined a panel discussion at #CalTransit24 on attracting workers to public transit, sharing VTA’s successful initiatives used to attract high quality employees and build a strong workforce. She highlighted programs like Women Innovating Transit (WIT) and the Joint Workforce Investment collaborative with ATU, along with efforts to increase safety for both passengers and employees across our system. California Transit Association | County of Santa Clara | City of San José #workforcedevelopment #growth #DEI #hiring #publictransit #womenintransit

VTA Community Outreach Supervisor Kathleen Podrasky, MPA emphasizes the importance of activating public transportation spaces during #CalTransit24. “When the community is involved in creating the art or helping choose the artwork, it gives the space a sense of home," she shares, "Encouraging pride and greater use of transit.” She explains how incorporating art into bus stops and train stations transforms them into vibrant community hubs, fostering connection, promoting diversity, and encouraging public engagement. California Transit Association | County of Santa Clara

Over the next few days, VTA leaders are proud to join transit professionals statewide at the California Transit Association's Annual Fall Conference to discuss crucial topics like safety, recruiting transit workers, community outreach, and diversity in the transit industry. “I applaud you all for serving in your capacity to make public transit available, effective, and reliable for your communities,” shares VTA Board Chair Sergio Lopez. VTA will be represented on key panels, including:? ·?Selling Public Transit as a Career – Carolyn Gonot, GM/CEO? ·?Recruitment, Retention, and Reinvention: Building a Diverse Transit Workforce – Shannon Arms, Operations Manager / Women in Transit? ·?Homegrown Solutions and Innovations for a Safer Transit System – Aston T. Greene, Chief of System Safety and Security? ·?Activating Public Spaces: Stops, Stations, and Surroundings – Kathleen Podrasky, MPA, Community Outreach Supervisor? ·?Actions to Increase Demographic Diversity in Transit Maintenance – Derik Calhoun, Chief Operating Officer Plus, we’re excited to showcase our brand-new hybrid diesel-electric buses during the conference! Stay tuned as we highlight the many VTA leaders contributing to workshops, panels, and discussions shaping the future of transit. #CalTransit24

The Speed and Reliability Program will help direct and prioritize interconnected improvements to meet VTA's Visionary Network goals for future transit service in Santa Clara County. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4eLj9iy

VTA and CEO/GM Carolyn Gonot proudly kicked off the California Transit Association's 59th Annual Fall Conference & Expo right here in the City of San José! “I am so proud that we are able to host this conference,” shared Gonot. "Get out and about on our wonderful system, and I want to warmly welcome you all to San Jose!" We’re thrilled to welcome transit professionals to explore networking opportunities, workshops, tours, and much more. Here’s to a successful and inspiring conference! #CalTransit24

“This funding is pivotal in helping us build equitable and accessible communities across Santa Clara County,” says VTA General Manager and CEO Carolyn Gonot. VTA has been awarded federal funding as part of its ongoing commitment to integrate affordable housing with public transit. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Z23yoS

During National Apprenticeship Week, VTA proudly celebrates 74 graduates of the VTA/ATU Joint Workforce Investment (JWI) Apprenticeship Program! This group includes 69 bus operators, four track workers, and an overhead line worker, each earning 18 college credits from Mission College while preparing to meet the demands of modern transit. “I’m excited to be here for our graduates today,” says VTA Board Chair Sergio Lopez as he congratulated the graduates. “This is a big deal...completing an 18-month or 2-year program and earning college credits shows the fruits of your labor.” As the nation's first certified apprenticeship program for coach operators and mechanics, the JWI program sets the “gold standard” for collaboration and workforce development. Congratulations to all the graduates—your hard work, devotion, and commitment to excellence will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the transit system and the communities you serve! #publictransportation #ATUlocal265 #college #careerdevelopment #apprenticeship #santaclaracounty #CalTransitWorks California Department of Industrial Relations | American Public Transportation Association

Check out Metro Magazine's latest profile of VTA GM/CEO Carolyn Gonot. Shout out, also, to the women at VTA's Women Innovating Transit (WIT). https://lnkd.in/gVN6WJ5P #womenintransit #transit #transitequity #equality #equity

VTA welcomes Campbell Vice Mayor Sergio Lopez as our newly elected VTA Board Chair! “As Board Chair, my focus will be on increasing accountability and transparency across the board,” said Lopez. “We can’t tackle the big challenges we’re facing without also making VTA one of the best places to work in the region.”? With his background in public service and lived experience as a transit user, Lopez’s leadership reflects values of our diverse community, and we’re excited to work together to advocate for public transportation to help shape the future of VTA.

Thank you, San Jose Downtown Association, for your support and insights! "While there would be some construction impacts, they would be far less damaging. Santa Clara Street could remain open, businesses could keep operating, and we would not lose the progress we’ve made in attracting people back downtown,” share Alex Stettinski, CEO of the San Jose Downtown Association, and Dan Phan, Owner of Paper Plane (San Jose). Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/giiuxnVd