VTA goal: Resume rail service by end of July

S.J. buildings where 9 people were slain by gunman in May will be remodeled, replaced

SAN JOSE >> Six weeks after the deadliest mass shooting in Bay Area history, the Valley Transportation Authority announced July 8 it is easing its traumatized workers back to the job, with a goal of restarting public rail service by the end of July.

For the past week, workers have been allowed to collect their personal belongings and get ready for a move away from the two Guadalupe Yard buildings where nine of their co-workers were gunned down May 26 by a “highly disgruntled” mechanic.

Because the complex’s buildings A and B were the scenes of the horrific massacre and panicked escapes, both either will be remodeled or rebuilt over the next several years, the VTA said.

In recent weeks, a “customer care team” at the

VTA reached out to employees and their families to “ensure they were aware of counseling resources.” The VTA also is “evaluating the readiness of staff who can return to work.” Some 379 employees worked at the rail yard where trains are stored and maintained.

New safety features are also being put in place, although those weren’t explained in the announcement.

The rail network that runs for more than 40 miles through the South Bay was shut down hours after the early-morning shooting. VTA initially replicated its train service with buses but soon stopped those to preserve coaches for regular bus routes. As a result, thousands of riders who once relied on the light-rail system have had to find another way to get around.

The shooting began in Building B’s power department, a large room at the end of a long hall with only one doorway in or out. Six highly trained mechanics who keep the electrified light rail service operating were shot multiple times by co-worker Sam Cassidy, who had a number of grievances with the VTA. Cassidy then headed to Building A, killing three more co-workers as he headed up to the third floor that houses the Operations Control Center and administration offices. Just outside those offices, Cassidy shot himself, twice, as law enforcement rushed in.

Bus service resumed operations weeks ago, but the rail service remained suspended as the FBI completed its crime scene investigation at the rail yard.

Those returning to work will go through a new training program and a “soft opening” before work begins, the VTA said.

Light-rail operators, for instance, will drive trains with no passengers for a period before accepting paying passengers. Employees in the Way Power & Signal department will have time to tour their new work location and “visually inspect the line rather than start actual inspections or repairs,” the VTA said.

“This is in line with our collective priority to put our people first while getting back to the goal of providing critical transit services for our community,” the VTA said, adding that it was thankful for “your patience and resilience as we work through this together.”