On Monday, March 10, thousands of the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) workers went on strike, leaving Los Altos High School students who rely on the buses stranded.
The Amalgamated Transit Union Local 265 that represents the workers initiated the strike mainly for higher wages — pay raises of 18 percent to match the increasing costs of living. They also asked for better working conditions, after little protocol changed following a mass shooting at a San Jose VTA railyard in 2021. VTA responded soon after by offering increased wages of 11 percent, which union leaders did not accept.
As negotiations continue, the past few weeks without buses have been difficult for many students.
For senior Hannah Carter, the strike forced her to make the one hour walk to and from campus everyday, which was especially difficult due to the recent rainy weather.
“It’s pretty inconvenient having to wake up an hour earlier to get to school,” Hannah said. “If the school just had a school bus, then it wouldn’t be an issue.”
Unlike other schools, the MVLA district as a whole does not offer school buses. This has been the case for decades; after school funding decreased in the 1970s, many districts cut transportation. But, in a recent email to the student body, the district addressed the issue, urging teachers to excuse tardiness and missed work related to transportation challenges.
Other students also expressed frustrations. Some days, junior Sarah Chow got home with rides from friends, but on other days, she had to wait until 6:30 p.m. when her mother could pick her up.
“I understand why they’re on strike, but I hope they can figure it out soon because of how many people rely on public transport to go to school and work everyday,” Sarah said.
“The days I ride the bus, I can’t get home any other way,” junior Baran Amini said. “I only take it once a week, but some people really depend on the bus.”
