Overview

In 2022, the City of Cupertino and the City of Santa Clara were awarded approximately $8.5 million by the California State Transportation Agency to continue Cupertino's existing on-demand shuttle program and expand service into Santa Clara with a zero emissions fleet. After Council approval, Santa Clara entered into a Funding Agreement with Cupertino in September 2023 to support the shuttle program. Via is the selected shuttle operator with funding provided by Santa Clara, Cupertino, and the State of California. 

The shuttle program, known as the Silicon Valley (SV) Hopper, offers a user-friendly rideshare service through a dedicated app, providing convenient transportation throughout Santa Clara, Cupertino, and to specific destinations beyond the city limits.

SV Hopper is a unique transportation service that works similarly to Uber and Lyft. However, instead of providing a door-to-door service, SV Hopper takes you to a nearby designated stop. This stop is typically the closest street corner to your origin or destination. Individuals with disabilities can receive door-to-door service.

This program receives funding from:

The Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP), which is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that uses Cap-and-Trade revenues to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable transportation.

The Transportation Fund for Clean Air (TFCA) 40% Fund, which is a program funded by the Bay Area Air District and administered by the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA). TFCA 40% supports projects that reduce emissions by funding alternative-fuel and trip-reduction project.

• Monday – Friday: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

1. Create an Account

   Download the Silicon Valley Hopper app from the App Store or Google Play Store and follow the simple signup steps. You can also call us at 669-201-1892.

2. Book a ride

   Enter your pickup and drop-off addresses, choose the ride that works best for you, and tap Book This Ride.

3. Meet your driver

Check the app to find exactly where to meet the vehicle. It may be a short walk from where you are, but your designated pickup point helps to cut down on detours and makes your trip faster!

• One-way fare: $3.50
• Discounted fare: $1.75
• +1s (additional riders): $1

• +1s must be booked ahead of time, a driver will not pickup a guest without a reservation.
• Book +1s in the app or by phone 669-201-1892. 

How to Obtain a Discount 

1. Eligibility

   Seniors, students, low-income individuals, and disabled riders may qualify for discounted fares. 

2. Selecting Your Discounted Fare

   To activate your discounted fare, open the app, navigate to the menu in the top left corner, and select “Fare Type.” 

   Use the toggle button next to the relevant option to activate your discounted fare. 

   Note: Only one discount category can be applied at a time. Multiple discounts are not permitted. 

3. Boarding with a Discount

Once onboard, please be prepared to show the driver the required identification to verify your eligibility for the discount. Feel free to contact customer support for any further inquiries or assistance. 

• Senior Discount: photo ID showing an age of 65+
• Student Discount: valid (photo) student ID
• Low Income Discount: Cal Fresh, or Medicare/Medicaid card
• Disabled Discount: valid disabled placard & registration card

Children Guidelines 

• Ages 13-17: May use SV Hopper independently with parental consent. This consent is assumed when a parent downloads the Via app and agrees to its terms & conditions.
  
  
• Below age 13: Must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. California State law mandates the use of car seats, which SV Hopper does not provide.

Service Animals 

• Allowed on SV Hopper, but only when they are on duty. No other pets are permitted
  
  

Onboard Etiquette

• Kindly refrain from eating or drinking during your ride

Book by Phone 

Individuals without smartphones can dial 669-201-1892 to create an account and request rides over the phone.

Vans that accommodate wheelchairs are available. Those with disabilities will receive door-to-door service.

Wheelchair accessible vehicles can be arranged upon request in the app by changing your rider settings to “Wheelchair Accessibility

• All vehicles are all-electric zero-emission.
• All sedan vehicles are equipped with bike racks that can accommodate up to 2 bicycles.

• 2023 Kia Niro Sedans
• 2023 Ford Transit e-350