Following the recent move by Cupertino’s City Council to increase public transit options in the city, private operator Via is set to launch its service in the city this week.
Via, which runs on-demand service in six-passenger Mercedes Metris vans, will provide transportation anywhere in the city of Cupertino as well as to the Sunnyvale Caltrain station. The vans will be ADA accessible and will have bike racks attached.
The Cupertino City Council approved the 18-month long pilot program with Via in June 2019, at the cost of not more than $1.75 million of city funds.
To sign up for the app-based shuttle, residents will download the Via app and sign up for an account, or by calling 669-201-1892 to setup an account by phone. Expected passenger wait times for the Via vans vary, with the city’s website saying it is expected to be between 15-17 minutes.
To sign up for the app-based shuttle, residents will download the Via app and sign up for an account, or by calling 669-201-1892 to setup an account by phone. Expected passenger wait times for the Via vans vary, with the city’s website saying it is expected to be between 15-17 minutes.
Rides during the first three weeks will be just $1, increasing to the standard $5 per ride at the end of the promotion period. Seniors, students, and low-income residents can get reduced fares of $2.50 per ride but visiting Cupertino’s Public Works counter at City Hall and showing proof of age/student status/CalFresh.
Monthly passes will be available for $60 and weekly options are $17. Via vans will run from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. There is no scheduled service on Sundays.
Via currently partners with more than 90 transit operators over 20 countries. Several VTA bus lines currently serve Cupertino, though only the 54 and 55 directly connect to the Sunnyvale Caltrain station.
Launch event Tuesday
Cupertino leaders will launch the Via-Cupertino service on Tuesday, October 29 at a public event at Civic Center Plaza, 10300 Torre Ave. It will run from 9:30 to 10 a.m. and feature short speeches, information tables, and an on-site Via van for residents to see firsthand.
More information about the launch of Via in Cupertino can be seen here.