On Saturday, July 26, 2025, VTA’s ACCESS Paratransit team hosted a vibrant Coffee with the Community event at Emma Prusch Farm Park, bringing together riders, advocates, staff, and community partners to celebrate recent enhancements to paratransit services, gather ideas for the future, and honor the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Hosted by Regional Transportation Service (RTS) Manager Rachelle Tagud, the event featured talks from five speakers who shared updates on key ACCESS initiatives:

• San Jose Vice Mayor and VTA Board Member Pam Foley, also an ex-officio member of the Committee for Transportation Mobility & Accessibility (CTMA), highlighted the Mobility Assistance Program (MAP). Launched in September 2023, MAP provides eligible low-income individuals with options like monthly gas cards, free bus passes, or paratransit fare credits. Partnering with six community organizations, MAP has distributed 1,005 transit vouchers, 817 gas cards, and 167 paratransit fare credits. She also shared details about the Mystery Rider Program, which invites ACCESS riders to provide anonymous feedback about their trips to improve service quality.
• CTMA 2nd Vice Chair Lupe Medrano, a regular ACCESS rider, spoke about the Ride with Respect and Kindness Campaign. To illustrate the message of mutual respect, she shared a meaningful breakdown of the word, tying each letter to values like empathy and compassion, inspiring riders and staff to create a welcoming environment that starts with oneself.
• VTA Deputy General Manager Greg Richardson announced advancements in fleet upgrades. Last year, 14 ProMaster vehicles were released into service, and based on feedback from a rider survey that guided improvements to the upcoming ProMaster procurement, including wide seats, easier-to-use ramp, and supportive grab rails. These enhanced vehicles were showcased at the event to gather further feedback. He also announced that 30 new hybrid minivans will be added to the fleet by year’s end, further modernizing paratransit services.
• VTA Deputy Director of Operations Development Lisa Vickery discussed the transition to VTA’s new paratransit operations contractor, Transdev. She highlighted enhanced driver training focused on accessibility, safety, and customer service, as well as the retention of current drivers to ensure continuity. She also reiterated VTA’s commitment to transparency through initiatives like the Mystery Ride Program and expanded survey outreach.
• Carmen Alba, Senior Vice President for the Northwest region of Transdev, along with Chris Langmayer, Transdev General Manager for VTA ACCESS, shared their commitment to elevating paratransit services, prioritizing rider satisfaction and accessibility.

The event came alive with performances by Grito de la Cultura Dance Academy and Mariachi Estelar, who delighted attendees with a special joint act featured children dancing to vibrant mariachi music. 

Guests explored the newly improved ProMasters and a hybrid minivan, guided by staff and representatives from BraunAbility and Model1.

Resource tables were hosted by VTA’s RTS Department, ACCESS Eligibility and Operations, Planning and Community Outreach and Public Engagement (COPE), Accessibility and Civil Rights (ACR) Department, and Senior Programs.

Light refreshments were served, and attendees participated in a raffle featuring three San Jose Edition Monopoly sets.

The event was made possible thanks to the support of many VTA teams. Marketing provided budget support, social media outreach, and event giveaways; Creative Services designed flyers and postcards; Facilities assisted with setup and cleanup; IT handled event technology; Safety and Security ensured a safe environment; and the Board Secretary’s Office coordinated with the offices of elected officials.

The Coffee with the Community event celebrated VTA’s progress in enhancing ACCESS Paratransit and invited riders to help shape its future. Together, we can build a more inclusive, reliable, and rider-focused transportation network.