Mountain View Community Shuttle Launches January 9

While residents may begin using the Mountain View Community Shuttle as early as January 5, an inaugural ride event will take place on Friday, January 9 at the Mountain View Transit Center at 11 a.m. to officially launch the service.

In addition to the community shuttle, attendees will get a preview of the new Mountain View Transportation Management Association’s (MTMA) MVGo commuter shuttle, which will begin service the following Monday, January 12.

“Starting this January, many residents and commuters can catch a free ride to work on MVGo and a free ride around the city on the Mountain View Community Shuttle,” explained Mayor Chris Clark. “These new services are examples of how Mountain View is tackling transportation in an innovative and openly accessible way.”

With stops from Shoreline and Pear to El Camino Hospital and from San Antonio Center to Sylvan Park, the Google-funded Mountain View Community Shuttle pilot program will provide a loop to connect residential neighborhoods to shopping destinations, downtown Mountain View, entertainment attractions, City facilities, medical complexes and recreation areas.

Each of the four electric shuttles are equipped with seating for 16 passengers, a wheelchair lift, space for two wheelchairs, WiFi connectivity and bicycle racks on the outside of the vehicle.

On weekdays, the shuttles will run from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. On weekends and holidays, shuttles will operate from noon until 8:00 p.m.

“The Mountain View Community Shuttle route was designed with public input and in collaboration with other transit agencies to connect with services currently available in Mountain View,“ said City Manager Dan Rich. “Even the shuttle design was carefully considered. We wanted it to be simple but recognizable from far away and in traffic. With its high blue banding and digital location marquee, it is intended to be easily distinguishable from other white shuttles.”

Riders are encouraged to use the shuttle when it begins operation on Monday, January 5, and to share their experience to help improve customer service by tweeting #MVRide, leaving feedback on the hotline at (855) 730-RIDE (7433) or by visitingMVCommunityShuttle.com, where there will be additional information on shuttle routes, schedules, operations and, in the near future, a ride tracker to show where the shuttles are on their route at any given time.

As this is a pilot program, adjustments to the Mountain View Community Shuttle route and service will be considered after several months of operation and riders have had an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the service and route.

--Info courtesy of City of Mountain View.