The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) received a report from the Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury dated June 18, 2019.

This report carefully examines the operation and governance of VTA as part of their responsibility to assure the public interest in governmental entities. 

VTA is appreciative of the time and effort that this Civil Grand Jury expended on the operation and governance of this large and complex organization. VTA is responsible for the provision of public transit through the operation of bus and light rail in Santa Clara County as well as partnership in regional transportation operations such as Caltrain, ACE and Capitol Corridor. VTA is the Congestion Management Authority for the County and provides for the construction of highway and interchange improvements. We serve as the custodian of the public’s resources in order to provide transportation options that allow people to access jobs, education, health care and entertainment. 

VTA is committed to transparency and the prudent allocation of the resources entrusted to us. To that end, the Board established an Ad Hoc Financial Stability Committee that provided direction on steps to improve the financial direction of the organization. Many of these steps are already implemented.  An Ad Hoc Board Enhancement Committee is currently meeting to address improving the effectiveness of Board Members and making better use of the time spent in Board and Committee meetings.

We intend to carefully review the report provided by the Civil Grand Jury. The report will help to inform the work we are currently performing.  After a careful and thoughtful review of the issues presented in the report, VTA will provide a response as requested.