REPORT TO SENIOR ADVISORY COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Receive a Presentation and Provide Feedback on the Silicon Valley (SV) Hopper Shuttle Program
Report
BACKGROUND
In 2022, the City of Cupertino and the City of Santa Clara were awarded approximately $8.5 million by the California State Transportation Agency to continue Cupertino's existing on-demand shuttle program and partner with Santa Clara to expand services into our city with a zero emissions fleet. After Council approval, Santa Clara entered into a Funding Agreement with Cupertino in September 2023 to support the shuttle program. Via is the selected shuttle operator with funding provided by Santa Clara, Cupertino, and the State of California.
Phase 1 of the expansion was launched on November 20, 2023, covering an 8.5-square-mile area within the City of Santa Clara, primarily located south of El Camino Real. This phase also upgraded the program to a zero-emission fleet, featuring all-electric Kia Niro and Ford e-Transit vehicles.
Phase 2 of the program is currently being discussed between the two agencies. Phase 2 would entail increasing the number of fleet vehicles and possibly expanding the service area within Santa Clara.
DISCUSSION
At the regular meeting of the Senior Advisory Commission on March 16, 2026 the Commission will receive an educational presentation by City staff on the SV Hopper. The discussion may also include response to Commissioner questions and feedback on the service.
In Santa Clara, service is available in the southern half of the City from the Caltrain tracks to the City's southernmost City limit. In Cupertino, service is available throughout the entire City. SV Hopper will pick up and drop off anywhere between these two service areas.
The service operates via a dedicated app, with functionality like Uber and Lyft, but with a corner-to-corner service model (door-to-door is available for individuals with disabilities). This model is designed to cut down on detours and shorten your overall journey time. To improve accessibility, app users can book rides by phone through a dispatcher, and unbanked (i.e. users who do not choose to use their credit card or bank account) riders can purchase vouchers from either Santa Clara or Cupertino City Hall. All sedan vehicles are equipped with two bike racks, and the fleet also includes three wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs).
SV Hopper provides an affordable transit option, charging a flat $3.50 fare throughout the service area, with a reduced $1.75 rate available to seniors, students, low-income riders, and individuals with disabilities. The program operates within its service area Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The all-electric vehicle fleet aligns with both cities’ goals to provide sustainable modes of transportation in the region by closing the critical first and last mile gap that often limits access to public transportation.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Receive a Presentation and Provide Feedback on the Silicon Valley (SV) Hopper Shuttle Program.
Staff
Prepared by: Marlon Aumentado, Associate Civil Engineer
Reviewed by: Jennifer Herb, Recreation Supervisor
Reviewed by: Kimberly Castro, Recreation Manager
Approved by: Damon Sparacino, Parks & Recreation Director
ATTACHMENTS
1. SV Hopper Presentation