VTA recently welcomed 30 high school students for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Guadalupe Light Rail Yard as part of the Mineta Transportation Institute Summer Program.

Welcomed by VTA's Deputy General Manager Greg Richardson and employees from across the agency, the students explored Operations, Maintenance, Overhaul and Repair, the Light Rail Trolley Barn, and the Operations Control Center (OCC). Under the guidance of VTA Technical Trainers, they even had the rare opportunity to operate a light rail vehicle firsthand while learning about light rail history, day-to-day operations, and the many career and internship opportunities available in transportation.

Following the tour, students celebrated their graduation alongside their instructors and families. Here are just a few of the reflections students shared after the program:

"My favorite part of the program was visiting VTA. Everyone was so welcoming, answered all of our questions, and gave us the opportunity to operate a light rail vehicle. It made me excited to explore internship opportunities with VTA when I go to college. My mom even got a shoutout from the Deputy General Manager because she's a VTA employee. How awesome is that?"

"VTA gave me a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to operate a light rail vehicle. I realized it's so much more than just sitting behind the controls. There are so many different careers in transportation, and they all help keep things moving."

"Transportation shows us that it not only helps the community, but it helps make the community whole."

Congratulations to all of the graduates!