Pa’Lante, an on-demand, all-electric, microtransit service, is coming to East San José!

Pa’Lante (“moving forward”) will help residents travel more easily between home, neighborhood destinations, and transit stations without having to drive. The City is partnering with residents, local organizations, and stakeholders to ensure the service meets the real needs of the community.

Funding for this pilot was made possible by VTA’s Measure B Innovative Transit Service Models program.

How the Pilot Service Works

Eastside residents and community members will be able to book a ride on Pa’Lante using an app or by phone, much like scheduling a ride with Lyft or Uber. Rides are only offered within a 13-square mile area of East San José. But that area includes portions of city council districts 5, 7, and 8. The service area stretches from:

• Berryessa BART station to the north;
• Tully Road and the Eastridge Transit Center to the south;
• Senter Road and Happy Hollow Zoo to the west, and;
• White Road and Lake Cunningham Park to the east.

The pilot's features are:

• Convenient: On-demand, corner-to-corner service throughout the service area seven days a week:
  • Monday through Friday: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Saturday: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Sunday: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Accessible: Door-to-door service will be available to seniors, parents with small children, and people with disabilities.
• Affordable: Fares cost the same as VTA’s bus and light rail rides and transfers are free.
• Zero emission and quiet: Pa’Lante will operate six all-electric vehicles, including two wheelchair-accessible vans.
• Bike-friendly: Vehicles will include bike racks to support multimodal travel.
• Local hiring: Pa’Lante will hire local drivers for part-time and full-time positions at $30 per hour.

The program will provide transportation for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault to critical destinations outside the project area. Destinations include Valley Medical Center, County of Santa Clara courts, and police stations for emergency and legal services. The rides will be scheduled by the service agencies.

Timeline

• Spring 2026: Community engagement
  • Focus groups comprising vulnerable communities
  • In person and virtual community meetings
• Summer 2026: Recruit and train drivers
  • Refine policies and procedures
  • Prepare for launch
• Fall/winter 2026: Promote service
  • Teach community members how to register and reserve rides
  • Launch service
• Spring 2027 to summer 2028: Provide regular updates to the community, seek feedback, and make continual service improvements
  • If it’s successful, seek funding/identify path to sustain the service post-grant

Why Pa’Lante?

Pa’Lante helps the City achieve transportation, environmental, and equity goals, included in the following plans:

• Envision 2040 General Plan
• Move San José: Citywide Access and Mobility Plan
• Climate Smart San José
• Emerging Mobility Action Plan

Community Partnership

The Pa’Lante pilot builds on the grassroots Promotora model of community engagement. Promotoras will:

• Recruit riders and local drivers
• Host focus groups to inform service design
• Teach Eastsiders how to use the app and mobility options
• Gather public feedback to ensure the program addresses community needs

Contact

If you have any questions or comments, please email Laura Stuchinsky at Laura.Stuchinsky@sanjoseca.gov.