VTA Joins SF Open Streets Event April 19

VTA and BART to participate in Viva CalleSJ car-free streets event April 19, 2026

VTA Joins Viva CalleSJ Event April 19

East San José streets will transform into car-free corridors for walking, biking, skating, and rolling when Viva CalleSJ returns Sunday, April 19, 2026. VTA and BART Silicon Valley will participate in the free community event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. along the Eastside Quest route. The route connects Mexican Heritage Plaza to Alum Rock Village and links Cimarron Park to Fernish Park, featuring activity hubs, live music, local food vendors, and community organizations throughout.

Community Event Promotes Active Transportation

Viva CalleSJ is part of a growing movement in cities nationwide to temporarily close streets to cars and open them to people-powered transportation. The event gives residents a chance to experience their neighborhoods differently while promoting walking, biking, and public transit use. VTA officials said the agency's participation reflects its commitment to connecting communities and supporting active transportation options. Similar open streets events in other California cities have drawn thousands of participants and helped build support for permanent bike infrastructure and pedestrian improvements.

Transit Agencies Set Up at Alum Rock Village Hub

VTA and BART Silicon Valley will staff a presence at the Alum Rock Village Hub during the event, transit officials said. Attendees can learn about upcoming transit projects, ask questions about future service, station access, and neighborhood connections, and provide feedback on local transit needs. The agencies will have information about bus and light rail routes serving East San José. Officials said the event offers a valuable opportunity to engage directly with community members in an informal, festive setting rather than traditional public meetings.

Event Runs Five Hours Sunday

The car-free corridors will be in place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 19, giving participants five hours to explore the route at their own pace. The event is free and open to all ages, with multiple access points along the Eastside Quest route. VTA encourages attendees to use public transportation to reach the event, with bus and light rail services available throughout the day. Participants can access any point along the route and don't need to complete the entire distance.

Riders Can Plan Transit Connections

Transit officials encourage attendees to combine public transportation with the car-free event experience. VTA's bus and light rail services provide connections to multiple points along the Eastside Quest route, making it easy for residents from across the region to participate. Riders can check Moovit for real-time VTA schedules and trip planning to reach the event. The combination of public transit access and car-free streets demonstrates how active transportation and transit systems work together to create more accessible, livable communities.