Starting mid-September, when you ride VTA, you may notice staff conducting an onboard survey.

We hope to gather valuable input from our riders. Our goal is to collect feedback that represents a broad spectrum of passengers using all VTA transit modes and routes, across different times of the day on both weekdays and weekends. 

Why are we surveying riders? 

Understanding our ridership demographics is crucial for making informed decisions that enhance our system and service. This data helps us set appropriate fares, improve communication across a diverse audience, and ensure we meet the needs of all our riders. 

Surveys can also help us attract federal funding for our service.  Conducting a demographic analysis through this survey will help VTA stay eligible for federal funds from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), which can be used to improve the overall rider experience. 

What to expect during our survey process: 

• Survey teams always wear a badge and a blue vest.  

• Survey team members will not monitor participants as they answer questions. Participants will receive a tablet with multiple language options and will have privacy to complete the survey.  

• They cannot accept requests to participate. The survey team uses technology to make sure the selection process for survey participants is not biased. This protects the integrity of the data.  

• They will never ask to see your ID. This ridership survey includes a range of questions involving personal information. However, the survey team will never request to see ID. If you receive a request like this from anyone on a vehicle, please report it. You can call VTA Customer Service at (408) 321-2300 or use the VTAlerts app.  

How the data helps: 

The information gathered from this survey will allow VTA to: 

• Understand the diverse experiences of our riders. 

• Make our services more equitable and accessible for everyone. 

• Shape service planning efforts to better allocate resources. 

• Keep our riders informed and involved in decision-making. 

By participating in this survey, you’re helping us make meaningful improvements to VTA services. The survey will take just 5-10 minutes of your time, and your input will play a crucial role in shaping the future of public transit in our community. 

For more updates, keep an eye on our various VTA social media channels. Instagram. Facebook. Or find us on X. We look forward to your support in this critical effort!