The January issue of Mountain Network News carried a postcard that asked our readers about various forms of public transportation. The survey was based on a questionnaire developed by Lynnette Vega, manager of the LGS Recreation’s 55+ program serving our area of the Santa Cruz Mountains. In October, Paulette Mulligan from the Valley Transit Authority (VTA) spoke to the 55+ group about mountain-area transportation needs. It was obvious from these discussions that public transportation in some form is of value, especially to older mountain residents. Increasing costs for driving one’s own automobile may encourage more mountain people to use public transportation. The question, what form of transportation do people want?

Although approximately 4,000 homes received this questionnaire, we admit that our survey had some built-in bias. Readers with an interest in public transportation were more likely to mail us their opinions. Also, non-drivers and older readers who may soon become non-drivers may have a vested interest in these issues. Our relatively small sample (65 responses) does not necessarily represent all people in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

This survey does, however, indicate the relative interest in various forms of transportation. The comments received also provide a more subjective but valuable picture of transportation issues. Thank you to all those who responded.

The VTA bus from the Summit has two early morning buses to Los Gatos and two buses returning in the afternoon. With this limited schedule, 43 percent of the answering respondents said they would use the bus at these times. Others said they would use the bus at different times.

If VTA Outreach Van Services for frail or handicapped people were extended to Santa Cruz, 28 percent of answering respondents said they would use this service.

If a van service through a local church or non-profit with a qualified driver would take them to the grocery store, doctor’s appointments, or other errands, 43 percent of answering respondents said they would use it.

If Internet services were available to schedule rides, 45 percent of answering respondents said they would use it to travel to Los Gatos, 37 percent to travel beyond Los Gatos to Santa Clara Valley, 25 percent to travel to Scotts Valley, and 38 percent to travel to Santa Cruz.

This preliminary survey suggests that a significant number of the respondents would intend to use these services if available. The proof would be actual ridership. For that, we will ask VTA and other local transportation services to consider test programs. Scheduling, quality of service, and other issues will affect the results, but we need to work toward improving public transportation.

I commute to 880 and Tasman. If there was adequate public transit to there I would use it.

We need this service (VTA Outreach for frail). Cost? We desperately need (van service). We don’t have a computer. We are both in our mid 70s and ill.

Los Gatos side (airport, dentist, Cupertino, Santana Row (dinner), San Jose for arts, Pac Garden Mall. I use San Jose-Soquel Road to Soquel and beyond almost daily.

In another ten years I will probably need this type of transportation.

I live off Skyline Boulevard, so bus service on Summit does no good.

Thank you for the opportunity to give feedback.

Expand parking lot at Summit Road/Highway 17.

We would use the bus service for Los Gatos High School. During term times only. But not for three more years as we have a sixth- and fourth-grader.

Hopefully connections to Campbell-San Jose would be established to make more of Santa Clara Valley accessible for whole household.

As a real estate agent I need my car daily. I do tell clients about VTA buses.

I still need to get to Summit to catch the bus, so it isn’t very convenient. Is there anywhere to park there? Only a few spaces are available by the bridge. May use van service if could get back when wanted.

Important (van service for frail).

Sorry, our situation doesn’t help promote your cause.

Commuting would be good. I have no one to ride share.

Wonderful ideas, especially van services. Much needed.

I am healthy and semi-affluent so do not need the services. However, I am strongly in favor of keeping the lines open. I would be willing to pay a "tax/fee" to make sure services were there when I need them.

I’m 86, my wife 82. We live too far from 17 and Summit to use the bus. I use Outreach.

I just turned 77 and expect I will be needing these services. If they are taken away, it is nearly impossible to get back. Maybe they can be placed on a reduced schedule if necessary and increased as needed. Your Mountain News is a great service to us mountain people.

Summer service as a way for pre-driving teenagers to socialize off the mountain.

We try to minimize number of trips off the mountain, and combine many errands and/or work over Santa Cruz County. Rarely go to Santa Clara side. Grocery shopping and farmer’s market involve too much to carry on bus and to bus station.

Great ideas. A phone number list of participating residents might be good, too. Thanks.

I have a special-needs child, so I need to drive her myself. I would reduce my driving if a grocery store was closer.

Not having bus service from Summit Road into any nearby towns seems stupid and a waste of resources.

Not needed now, maybe later. It would probably not work (scheduling rides using Internet).

Would like high-school students to catch afternoon bus. Think the van service is a great idea. Wish the Summit Store would deliver groceries.

Highway 17 express bus needs to stop in Los Gatos.

At the present time I am hale and hearty and can drive, but I am 77 years old. I may like those services in the future.

We’d like the buses to keep running. However, living below Redwood Estates off Brush Road we do not use the bus. Really appreciate your magazine.

Need to know how to get people to Summit from where they live, and home again.

Highway 17 Express needs to connect to light rail and Caltrain.

We are 72 and 73 so in the future we will need this service.

We live at Saratoga Gap. We do not drive Highway 17.

If I can’t drive how do I get to bus stop? Does VTA van service come up here for taking to Los Gatos, that direction. Would it go to Scotts Valley? I don’t go to Santa Cruz. Would take VTA van to Scotts Valley and Los Gatos.

Bring the train back.

Sporadically now. More frequently when I can no longer drive off the hill.