Chak's Editorial: Kyle Chak's Guide to Super Bowl LX via Transit on Game Day

With the talk about Super Bowl LX coming to the Bay Area on February 8, 2026, let's remind my followers about transit options on game day when it comes to the action in Santa Clara. Just be aware, though: I'm not talking about any of the related Super Bowl LX events taking place before the actual day - I'm only talking about the day of Super Bowl LX.

DISCLAIMER FOR TRANSFERRING PASSENGERS

Alameda-Contra Costa Transit (AC Transit), San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), and Caltrain does NOT make regular fare or transfer announcements for those connecting to VTA Light Rail. All passengers transferring from AC Transit, BART, or Caltrain will need to be reminded that VTA Light Rail is a Proof-of-Fare system and payment is REQUIRED before boarding VTA Light Rail. All BART and Caltrain passengers MUST "tag-off" their card at the departing station before they "tag-on" their card PRIOR to boarding VTA Light Rail - no "tag-off" required for VTA Light Rail. PASSENGERS WITHOUT PROOF-OF-PAYMENT MAY BE SUBJECTED TO A FINE OF UP TO $250. Fare inspectors may be present at any time, thus please be advised of this notice. 

THE FARE OPTIONS

Clipper card, which is the San Francisco Bay Area's transit card that is accepted at many agencies across the nine counties surrounding the San Francisco Bay, is generally the best way to get around the Bay Area; this is especially helpful for seniors (Senior Clipper Card) and disabled (via the Clipper Access card) for those going to Levi's Stadium on VTA buses and light rail. All Adult Clipper cards are available to pay via smartphone - the Clipper Card website shows users how. Those receiving Senior or Access cards will initially be a physical card and can be converted to digital via their smartphone - but must keep them for fare inspection purposes. 

The Bay Area Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), which manages the Clipper card and the 511 SF Bay website, recently introduced a new feature that allows patrons to pay using their credit/debit card (also called "bank card"); however, this is not recommended as Clipper card generally have slightly lower fares than cash fares. 

VTA also offers the option to use cash to pay for transit rides, but paying cash is only available on buses and is also not advised. Light rail ticket vending machines (for light rail use) has an 8-hour excursion pass available, but this option is also not advised. 

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) riders will require the use of the Clipper card in order to get from the East Bay to Levi's Stadium, including transferring to VTA Light Rail at Milpitas station via the pedestrian bridge. While parking at BART stations (except Milpitas and Berryessa) are free, information for BART is found on their website for the BART portion to Milpitas and fares may vary depending on your location.

Caltrain riders will need to be aware that both the Caltrain/VTA joint day passes are significantly higher for Super Bowl LX than on a typical day. It's best for riders to stick with their Clipper card. 

Token Transit will also be accepted, but only on game day.

Both Altamont Commuter Express and Capitol Corridor will be available for those coming from San Joaquin and Sacramento counties.

VTA IS THE FRONT DOOR TO THE BIG GAME

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) may be in the midst of a major project on the light rail system extending to Eastridge Center on the Orange Line, but the Orange Line will be the front door to Levi's Stadium, only to be cut off between Great America and Lick Mill for security reasons related to Super Bowl LX. Mountain View light rail patrons (including Caltrain transfers; more on that shortly) will be using Great America station for the exit. Those that are coming off from Alum Rock (including Milpitas transfers; more on that shortly), Santa Teresa, or Winchester stations will be using Lick Mill station for the exit and entering Levi's Stadium via Gate F. 

There's a couple of caveats, though: 

BLUE LINE: Those who ride the Blue Line train from Santa Teresa will need to transfer at Convention Center, Paseo de San Antonio, Santa Clara (Street), or St. James stations and utilize the Green Line trains from Winchester station. Please note that 2-car trains will be in force for the Green Line as stations south of San Jose Dirdon are not designed for 3-car trains. 

SOUTH OF DIRDON: Those coming from points south of San Jose Dirdon may also want to consider riding Caltrain for part of the journey to Santa Clara (for bus line 59), Sunnyvale (for bus line 57), or Mountain View (for Orange Line to Great America) to ensure room for those transferring from the Blue Line. Be aware that different fares apply on Caltrain. 

BUS LINES SERVING LEVI'S STADIUM: Three bus lines also serve the vicinity of Levi's Stadium, specifically lines 55, 57, and 59 (the latter also helpful for those living in the Alviso neighborhood of San Jose). However, those bus lines are subject to detours; the drop-off and pick-up locations may be different than usual due to extremely high security.

BERRYESSA AND MILPITAS BART STATION PARKING: Those that are parking at Milpitas or Berryessa BART stations must pay $3 at the parking machines before taking transit. 

COMING FROM THE EAST BAY, SAN FRANCISCO, SAN MATEO COUNTIES

Those coming from the East Bay, San Francisco, and San Mateo counties will find that their Clipper card (if they have it) will be very helpful as the process is straightforward. BART and Caltrain utilizes a "dual-tag" system, while VTA only requires one tag from the card. 

East Bay (Alameda and Contra Costa Counties) residents will need to utilize the free BART parking spots and have their Clipper (or bank) card ready before taking BART to Milpitas station and using the pedestrian bridge to take VTA Light Rail Orange Line to Lick Mill station. 

San Francisco and San Mateo county residents will need to take Caltrain down to Mountain View and transfer to VTA Light Rail's Orange Line for Levi's Stadium. If passengers are taking BART from San Francisco, Daly City, Colma, or South San Francisco, they will need to head towards Millbrae and go to Platform 5 for Caltrain towards San Jose. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR NORTH BAY RESIDENTS

For those living in Marin, Napa, Solano, and Sonoma counties, this process may be a bit complicated but somewhat straightforward depending on the transit that you may be using and where you reside. It's best that you do drive to a BART station in Contra Costa County and then utilize the same process as East Bay residents; those who don't want to go to the East Bay may also drive to the BART station in Daly City (via a toll on highway 101) to utilize BART, Caltrain, and VTA Light Rail. However, if you do decide to take transit, this depends on the county that you live in, and most agencies offer service connections to various BART stations. 

MARIN AND SONOMA COUNTIES: Those residents can either take a SMART Train or take bus line 101 for connections. Those opting for BART can connect at the San Rafael station for bus line 580 to connect with the El Cerrito Del Norte BART station for the ride to connect with VTA Light Rail at Milpitas station. Both bus line 101 (to Salesforce in SF) and the Larkspur Ferry Terminal (SMART Train connection only) have BART connections to Caltrain, and thus VTA Light Rail at Mountain View station. Please note that residents north of Santa Rosa must take Sonoma County Transit to Downtown Santa Rosa Transit Center for connections to Golden Gate Transit Line 101. Santa Rosa CityBus riders can also connect there as well. 

NAPA COUNTY RESIDENTS: Napa VINE transit only offers Route 11 to the Vallejo Ferry Terminal, and thus users must take the ferry to the San Francisco Ferry Building, walk a short distance to the Embarcadero BART station, and take BART to Millbrae, transfer to Caltrain, and finally VTA Light Rail's Orange Line. Return trips, though, will be complicated after the Super Bowl LX concludes, thus it's best to drive to a BART station (El Cerrito Del Norte or Richmond stations). 

SOLANO COUNTY RESIDENTS: For Solano County residents, particularly those in Fairfield, Vacaville, and Suisun City, those will have the most difficulty finding transit for Super Bowl LX. Most SolTrans buses will only go as far as Vallejo, and those are via connections to multiple BART stations. It's best that those residents drive to a BART station at Richmond or El Cerrito Del Norte.

SPECIAL NOTE FOR SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY RESIDENTS

Those living in San Francisco should take note that MUNI (shorthand for SFMTA, or San Francisco Municipal Transit Agency) ticket vending machines currently do not offer VTA bus passes when loading their physical Clipper card. While they do acknowledge Super Bowl LX, they do have a link to VTA website. 

VISITING THE BAY AREA FOR SUPER BOWL LX AT LEVI'S STADIUM

For those flying in for game day, San Jose Mineta International Airport is certainly the closest airport to Super Bowl LX, but San Francisco and Oakland airports will also be accessible as well. All visitors to the Bay Area are advised to input their Clipper Card on their phone, or obtain one at any ticket vending machine or information desk (when available). Foreign visitors are advised to convert their currency to U.S. Dollars before obtaining a physical Clipper card. 

SAN JOSE: Those coming from Terminal A or B will need to take VTA bus line 60 headed north towards Milpitas BART, off-board at Metro/Airport station, then take VTA Green Line light rail to Lick Mill station. Note that the fare is free only at airport terminals. 

SAN FRANCISCO: Those arriving from the Domestic Terminals will need to take an AirTrain or shuttle bus to Garage G/BART to access the BART station. If arriving from the International Terminal, go towards Garage G on the north end of the lobby before the walkway to Garage G, then take an elevator (the ones closest to the restroom and Courtyard G) to Level 3 and access the BART station. Whether from Domestic or International Terminals, take BART to Millbrae, transfer to Caltrain at Platform 5 towards San Jose, then transfer again at Mountain View for VTA Orange Line light rail to Great America station. 

OAKLAND: Those coming from the airport in Oakland should start by taking the Oakland Airport BART connector to the Coliseum station, transfer to a Berryessa train, and off-board at Milpitas station. Upon exit, follow the signs for the pedestrian bridge to VTA Light Rail, where you'll take the Orange Line to Lick Mill Station. 

STATEMENT(S)

I hope that my own guide will help guide riders to enjoy Super Bowl LX in person. Have any questions? You may comment below or email me. See you on the socials. 

Kyle Chak

chak595301@gmail.com

@KyleSChak 

Chak's Editorial: Santa Clara County Fire Department to Expand Services to Southern Santa Clara County?

Possible changes may be coming to parts of southern Santa Clara County in regards to changes at the fire department, but it may be very costly for the County itself. 

The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors directed it's Fire Department (known commonly as "County Fire") to apply for an expansion into Southern Santa Clara County. In the pamphlet sent to unincorporated Southern Santa Clara County residents, the proposed changes as a result of what the county describes as fiscally imbalanced, most recently pointing to the recent fire fighting activities in Southern California. What no news organization does mention is that parts of unincorporated Morgan Hill and San Martin are still covered by CalFire Santa Clara Unit, particularly the city of Morgan Hill's contract with CalFire to provide all fire and medical emergency services within boundaries. With Calfire Unit Chief Baraka Carter retiring after many years of service serving the city of Morgan Hill and it's state responsibility area, the question in the middle of all of this mess is to discuss who will be the next unit fire chief and how the next fire chief will respond to similar situations on switching fire services. 

The Board of Supervisors' decision to have it's County Fire Department to apply for an expansion into Southern Santa Clara County is unfortunately an absurd and ridiculous idea, considering that Santa Clara County is running more than $12 billion deficit, as opposed to the $2 billion for the State of California. This comes shortly after the County decided to go ahead with the purchase of the Regional Medical Center in East San Jose - and now the county wants to take control of the fire stations in Southern Santa Clara County?! 

I personally do not think that Santa Clara County should take over the South Santa Clara County Fire District, especially when comparing that the current deficit within Santa Clara County is nearly SIX times the current deficit for the State of California. If current CalFire SCU fire prevention specialist and public information officer Chelsea Burkett compares those budget deficits, the outlook is currently very sour for Santa Clara County itself, not including those controlled by the State of California. If Santa Clara County wants to take over the southern part of the county for fire services, they should weigh their own budget deficits against the state's deficits before making their commitment. At this stage, the proposed takeover by Santa Clara County is well too premature and will only add more money in the red. 

BLOG EXCLUSIVE: Taking Transit to Luke Combs Concert at Levi's Stadium

Many people are aware that country music star Luke Combs, who was born and raised in North Carolina, is coming only to Santa Clara County for one reason: a major gig at Levi's Stadium for a concert. San Jose-based KBAY radio (Bay Country) might be proud to see it happen, and there is only a 10% chance that radio personalities Emily Harlan and Danny Miller (the latter who also does the PA for the San Francisco 49ers, San Jose Earthquakes, and San Jose Sharks) might be tabiling the event. While Bay Country radio might be debating on whether or not they will be setting up a table in the parking lot outside Levi's Stadium, I can tell my viewers that in my more than a decade of experience of taking transit to the big events, I can see first hand that parking is almost filled to capacity in the time I have arrived at the scene, whether in San Jose, Oakland, or San Francisco. Having said that, let's talk about what to expect for transit.

If your plans call for parking directly at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara for the Luke Combs concert, I would strongly not recommend doing that. Just like the Taylor Swift concert last year, parking will be at a premium at Levi's Stadium just like being at a typical San Francisco 49ers home game. To avoid all of that temptation of being stuck in traffic, your best bet is relying on VTA Light Rail and bus services to get to the scene via any park and ride lot operated by the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA). Please keep in mind that the Milpitas and Berryessa BART stations (owned/operated by VTA), as well as the Caltrain station in Mountain View, are subjected to a small parking fee, and thus are advised to check their respective websites for further information. 

There are five routes (2 on light rail via Green/Orange lines and 3 on bus routes 55/57/59) that directly serve Levi's Stadium every day of the week including holidays. Out of those five routes, VTA's Orange light rail line is the only one that connects with both Caltrain and BART; the Orange line (and a few special event Blue line trains) will likely be running 3-car trains all day. Great America Station along VTA's Orange/Green lines is the only light rail station that is the closest (and the "front door") to Levi's Stadium. Of course, VTA will have ambassadors stationed at key points along the light rail system to help riders get to the scene.

All passengers who normally board Caltrain (in San Francisco or San Mateo counties) or BART (in Alameda or Contra Costa Counties) will need to get used to the rules and regulations on VTA light rail. Caltrain passengers must transfer to VTA light rail at Mountain View, while BART passengers must transfer at Milpitas. Caltrain does have a "proof of payment" system in place along their system; but often neglects to mention about the "proof of payment" system also in place when on VTA light rail. Regular fares and parking policies do apply including any applicable fees. 

Whether it's digital or physical version, Clipper Card is strongly advised for travel, especially when interchanging multiple transit agencies. For BART, while Clipper card is the sole source of travel within the BART system (since 2023), that same Clipper card must also be used on VTA. Riders must "tag off" at Milpitas before following the signs and tagging their Clipper card on a Clipper reader bearing the VTA logo. Caltrain riders must "tag off" at a Clipper reader bearing the Caltrain logo before tagging their Clipper card on another reader bearing the VTA logo and crossing the tracks to VTA's light rail platform at Mountain View station. While the Clipper readers are the same throughout the Bay Area, Clipper readers designated for different transit agencies are not the same. 

PLEASE NOTE THAT BART AND CALTRAIN DOES NOT MAKE REGULAR AND/OR "AUTOMATED" ANNOUNCEMENTS REGARDING TRANSFERS TO VTA LIGHT RAIL ORANGE LINE, ESPECIALLY FOR SPECIAL EVENTS. I even have heard this from my many rides on both Caltrain and BART. While BART does make "automated" announcements for next stops, there is no regular announcements for VTA light rail transfers when the next station is Milpitas. Caltrain has no automated announcements within their system and only mentions "your VTA light rail connection" when the next station is Mountain View and often fails to disclose that VTA light rail also has similar functionalities to Caltrain's "proof of payment" system. 

ALL BART AND CALTRAIN RIDERS ARE REMINDED THAT VTA LIGHT RAIL OPERATES ON A "PROOF OF PAYMENT" SYSTEM. Fare inspectors may board the train at any time and functions similar to that of Caltrain, but unlike Caltrain, VTA light rail is not a zone-based system. Passengers must show proof that they have paid their fare, whether they purchased a ticket or tagged their Clipper card at a reader bearing the VTA logo near the reader. If any passenger fails to show their proof, that passenger may be subject to a fine of up to $250. 

When the event does come and the urge from VTA officials to ask Luke Combs concertgoers in the Bay Area to take transit just like the Taylor Swift concert last year, I hope the people will try and heed their call. 

EXCLUSIVE EDITORIAL: Bad Crash in East Morgan Hill leaves 9 People Injured

It was Sunday night, June 25, 2023 in East Morgan Hill. Traffic at the time on East Dunne Avenue near the split intersection of Gallop Drive and Thomas Grade Road were quiet. But just after 8PM, a call to the dispatch center in Morgan Hill noted 3 cars were involved in a major crash at the intersection. The Ford Mustang involved flipped on it's roof while the other 2 cars also were involved; one of them involved a Toyota Sienna with kids inside. What exactly happened is unclear, but as soon as the call was made, CalFire Santa Clara unit crews from Dunne Hill fire station and from headquarters raced to the scene, including multiple Type 3 engines. Because of the urgent magnitude of the crash, a CalStar helicopter was requested from Gilroy's St. Louise Hospital. Meanwhile, CalFire SCU crews worked quickly to extricate two people out of the Mustang as the occupants were trapped in a high velocity impact crash.

NBC Bay Area News weekend personnel were shocked of what they saw following a dramatic scene involving a CalStar medical helicopter landing in the middle of East Dunne Ave just one block from the Dunne Hill Fire Station. During that late newscast, photos started to surface from a Facebook group of the crash involving a Mustang, Toyota Sienna, and another unknown vehicle that was unrecognizable to see; eventually, that was posted on Twitter. It now turns out that of the 9 people including children that were injured in the crash; one was taken via helicopter to St. Louise in critical condition.

Traffic was backed up on East Dunne Ave heading towards the direction of Jackson Oaks and Holiday Estates areas, which are two separate areas only accessible via East Dunne Ave and Thomas Grade Roads. However, because both of them were blocked due to the crash, it took several hours for traffic to finally clear. 

Neither CalFire Santa Clara Unit Chief George Huang nor FIS/PIO Chelsea Burkett were available for comment on Sunday night, but Morgan Hill residents living near the area are trying to get answers from either CalFire, Morgan Hill Police, and/or the city of Morgan Hill. So far, there were no answers at the moment. 

Chak's Editorial: Sushi Randy's Next Truck? Probably an F-150 Raptor R (Short)

For over 20 years, Randy Musterer, commonly known as "Sushi Randy", owned a classic Toyota Tacoma truck that he uses to get around his three Sushi Confidential locations in Campbell, Morgan Hill, and San Jose. Originally from San Diego, Musterer founded Sushi Confidential after serving secret parties around Santa Clara County, with the first outlet being in Campbell, eventually expanding to both San Jose and Morgan Hill. All three of them are in the downtown areas. But Musterer's truck is getting too old to operate and he will need a replacement truck soon. So what might be in his mind? That's up to Musterer himself. 

Out of the trucks that Randy Musterer might be looking at, I personally recommend him to get himself the Ford F-150 Raptor R model instead, with blue on the exterior and black on the interior along with the graphics delete and adding the wheel locks. Soon after his ownership of a new vehicle, I suggest looking for another layer of protection to prevent catalytic converter thefts. Since he and his finance named Moni Sebestyen will be tying the knot soon, perhaps I also recommend Randy to get Moni a Raptor R as well, though hers will likely be either silver, black, or white on the exterior. In all cases, the duo will maintain their warranties until expiration date as noted in the contract for all parts and service, as well as practicing safe driving and not going over the speed limit when possible. Making extensive use of the cruise control feature will definitely help, especially when going along I-15 between Southern California and Las Vegas. 

When the warranties do eventually expire, both of them can elect to either keep or let go of one of the trucks. I'd be very surprised if Randy eventually wants to thank me for the suggestions and eventually wants to transfer it under my ownership (although not directly). Who knows - I might one day be driving one of the Raptor R trucks. And I will be surprised if they spot me on Facebook (and Moni also spotting me on Instagram as well). 

Until the time comes, please don't drink any alcohol when driving.

Kyle Chak

chak595301@gmail.com

@KyleSChak