At VTA, we are deeply saddened by the passing of Rod Diridon, Sr. He was a visionary leader and tireless public transportation champion in Santa Clara County. His leadership and passion connected people, strengthened our region, and advanced sustainable mobility.

Rod Diridon Sr. is widely recognized as the “father of modern transit” in Santa Clara County, a title earned through decades of visionary leadership and relentless advocacy for public transportation. Over a career spanning more than 50 years, Diridon helped transform a largely car-dependent region into one supported by an interconnected, forward-looking transit system. His advocacy never waivered.

Diridon’s impact began in the 1970s during his tenure on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors. One of his most significant achievements was leading the successful 1976 campaign for a half-cent sales tax dedicated to transit funding—the first of its kind in California. This measure laid the financial foundation for the county’s modern transit network, including the development of light rail, and established Santa Clara County as one of the first “self-help” counties in the nation. 

He went on to chair numerous major rail projects, including the Guadalupe Corridor Light Rail Project, which became the backbone of Santa Clara County’s light rail system. Over the years, he chaired multiple transit boards and helped guide the planning and construction of key corridors that expanded mobility across Silicon Valley. 

Diridon also played a pivotal role in regional connectivity. He was instrumental in advancing efforts to bring BART service into Santa Clara County and supported the modernization and eventual electrification of Caltrain—projects that continue to shape Bay Area transportation today. 

Beyond infrastructure, Diridon’s influence extended into policy and research. As the founding executive director of the Mineta Transportation Institute at San José State University, he helped establish a nationally recognized center for transportation policy and innovation, further cementing his legacy as both a practitioner and thought leader. 

In recognition of his contributions, San José’s central transit hub was renamed Diridon Station in his honor. Today, his legacy lives on in the systems millions rely on daily—proof of his enduring vision for a more connected, sustainable future.

We are grateful for his lasting contributions and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who were inspired by his work.