VTA Board's First Meeting Since Mass Shooting Filled With Emotion

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA — The emotion was palpable on Thursday evening in Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority Board of Directors Chair Glenn Hendricks’ voice during the transit agency’s first meeting since last week’s mass shooting at a rail yard, when a VTA employee killed nine coworkers before turning the gun on himself.

A teary Hendricks opened and closed the two-hour meeting — which had a shortened agenda — in honor of the nine victims while the board conducted time-sensitive business in between, including approving a contract for incoming General Manager and CEO Carolyn Gonot and a budget item.

Both Hendricks and interim General Manager Evelyn Tran asked for understanding and patience as VTA staff takes time off to grieve. Low staffing levels have led to rail service being indefinitely suspended while the agency prioritizes bus service.

Hendricks said VTA was making sure that its actions match the tone and message, and that it would err on the side of supporting the families of the victims and employees.

“We understand what this means for our riding public and we ask for patience as we navigate the healing path we are on,” Hendricks said.

Other Bay Area transit agencies have come to VTA’s aid in providing buses and staffing, including SamTrans and AC Transit. Santa Cruz Metro, SFMTA and Golden Gate Transit are also expected to provide support, according to Tran.

“As we navigate these uncharted waters in tragedy and crisis, I want to make it clear that our people are our priority,” Tran said. “This has been the guiding principle by which we stand as we make tough decisions on service levels and future service.”

VTA has been holding regular meetings between board members, transit officials and union leadership to facilitate communication and feedback, as well as town halls for employees, according to Hendricks. The transit agency has also created a private website, email and phone number for employees to stay up-to-date on resources and announcements such as funeral services, Tran noted.

Several public speakers, including members of ATU 265 — the union representing VTA workers — asked the board to consider providing hazard pay to employees.

“If there was ever a time to do more than pay lip service to the heroics of our front-line transit workers, that time is now,” one speaker said. “It bears accenting that the mass tragedy that occurred about a week ago happened on a VTA work site and exclusively affected transit workers.”

Board members didn’t respond during the meeting to the calls for hazard pay.

In addition to short biographies of each of the victims, Hendricks read aloud a haiku and asked the public to give a smile and wave to VTA workers they come across. VTA Public Relations Communications Specialist Menominee McCarter sang “Amazing Grace” in honor of the victims. Hendricks closed the meeting by reading the names of the nine victims.

“Everyone please be safe,” Hendricks said.