Dozens of students at Redwood Middle School are participating in a pilot program that allows them to commute to school via public transit. The initiative, spearheaded by Saratoga Traffic Commissioner Dory Albert, was approved by the local traffic commission. The primary objectives are to offer a safe and reliable transportation option while decreasing vehicle congestion during peak drop-off and pick-up hours around the campus.
Redwood Middle School is one of four educational institutions located along Saratoga Avenue, alongside Saratoga High School, Sacred Heart Elementary School, and West Valley College. Albert selected this specific campus for the trial because it is situated directly across from the Valley Transportation Authority bus depot for West Valley College.
She also noted that middle school students are generally more independent, making them suitable candidates for the test. The program aims to address unsafe driving patterns, such as vehicles entering residential neighborhoods or blocking bike lanes during school hours.
To facilitate the commute, the VTA adjusted schedules for routes 26 and 51 by 10 minutes. Students on route 26 board at the intersection of Cox and Saratoga avenues at 7:50 a.m., while those on route 51 board at Blauer Drive and Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road at the same time.
Both routes arrive at the Saratoga Civic Center stop by 8:05 a.m., allowing students to reach their 8:15 a.m. classes. Only route 26 provides after-school service, departing at 2:25 p.m.
Albert surveyed parents through community WhatsApp groups, asking if they would allow their children to ride a bus costing $1 per trip if it aligned with the school bell schedule. Out of 205 responses, 87.5% were in favor. Suruchi Bhutani, a parent of three children in the Saratoga Union School District, cited fuel costs and environmental factors as reasons for her support.
Jenny Hong-Gonzalez, another parent, stated that reducing the number of cars on the street leads to safer sidewalks and less congestion for everyone.