VTA Wants To Give Santa Clara County Homeless A Pass
SAN JOSE (KCBS) - Thousands of homeless people could soon qualify for transit passes to ride Santa Clara County buses and light rail trains for free.
The plan approved Friday by the Valley Transportation Agency's board would require the recipient to be enrolled in a program to find permanent housing.
"It can be critical in the life of a homeless person to be able to get on board a transit vehicle," said County Supervisor Dave Cortese, who supports the plan.
KCBS' Mike Colgan Reports:
Randy, who learned about the plan from the shelter where he is staying, said a homeless person can sometimes walk six to ten miles a day trying to get meals or make it to other appointments.
He said even someone receiving a $150 General Assistance check every month might not be able to set aside $70 for a monthly transit pass.
The program would cost the VTA about $110,000 a year. If approved by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, it could take effect as soon as April.
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