Navigating transportation in the Bay Area may feel overwhelming at first, especially if you're new to the region. With multiple transit systems and a wide range of options, it can take some time to find what works best for your routine. As a CMU-Silicon Valley student, you’ll have access to helpful resources like VTA SmartPass and Caltrain GoPass to make commuting, attending events, or exploring the region more manageable.
Student transit benefits
CMU-Silicon Valley students have access to two major transportation benefits designed to make commuting and getting around the Bay Area more affordable and convenient.
As a CMU-SV student, you are eligible for a Clipper Card with your choice of pass(es) pre-loaded:
- VTA SmartPass for use on the VTA bus and light rail lines.
- Caltrain GoPass for use on the Caltrain, which runs up and down the peninsula from San Francisco to Gilroy.
Accessing your transit benefits
Here’s how to request your VTA Clipper Card and Caltrain Go Pass, based on your student status:
Current students
- Complete the transportation pass request form.
- You’ll receive an email from Student Affairs when your pass is ready.
- Pick up your pass in Room 215 B.
- Complete any required surveys (such as the Caltrain Go Pass survey) before pickup.
Incoming students
- Request your transit pass through Action Lab, the online orientation completed before in-person Orientation.
- Pick up your pass at Orientation.
Bicoastal students (starting internship in summer)
- After you arrive, complete the transportation pass request form to request your pass.
Local transportation options
VTA bus and light rail
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) operates bus and light rail services across the South Bay, from Palo Alto to San Jose.
Common VTA routes near CMU-SV:
- Route 51 – stops directly in front of the CMU-SV campus
- Route 21 – Stanford Shopping Mall to the Sunnyvale Transit Center with stops at Mountain View Transit Center and VTA Light Rail
- Route 40 – Foothill College to Mountain View Transit Center
- Orange line light rail – stops just outside Moffett Field; it's a half-mile walk to Building 23
Visit VTA's website to learn more.
Caltrain
Caltrain is a commuter rail line running between San Francisco and Gilroy.
- The nearest stop to CMU-SV is the Mountain View Station, about one mile from campus.
- You can get to campus from Caltrain via VTA’s Line 51, the Orange Line Light Rail, biking, or walking.
Students commuting via Caltrain can apply for a Go Pass to cover their rides.
Visit Caltrain's website to learn more.
Using your Clipper Card
Clipper Cards are reloadable smart cards used across most Bay Area transit agencies.
How to use your Clipper Card:
- On VTA buses/light rail: Tap your physical card on the card reader when you board.
- On Caltrain: Tap your card before boarding at a platform reader, and tap again when exiting. During your ride, you will most likely encounter a train conductor who will validate that your Clipper Card was tapped before boarding.
Visit the Clipper Card website to learn more.
Bay Area mass transit
There are many other transit systems in the region. Your VTA pass and Caltrain GoPass do not automatically work on these, but you can add additional funds or passes to your Clipper Card if needed. You may find these helpful as you plan your commute between your housing, campus, and internships.
- 511 Bay Area Travel Planner – Door-to-door public transit directions
- BART – Heavy-rail system serving San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, and airports
- Muni – San Francisco’s bus, metro, and trolley system
- SamTrans – Bus service on the San Francisco Peninsula
Other transportation options
As a CMU-SV student, your transportation needs will likely vary depending on where you live, where your internship is located, and what your daily routine looks like. Many students rely on a mix of walking, biking, public transit, and rideshare services to get around.
Mountain View Community Shuttles
There are free shuttles operated by the City of Mountain View, including:
- MVGO Shuttles (Routes A-D) connect commuters with the Mountain View Transit Center (Caltrain and VTA Light Rail) and various locations around Mountain View during weekday AM and PM commute hours.
- Mountain View Community Shuttle (Gray and Red Lines) commuters can board a shuttle at one of 50 stops throughout town weekdays, 7 AM to 7 PM, and weekends & holidays, 10 AM to 6 PM.
Learn more about MVGO | Learn more about Mountain View Shuttle
Bike, scooter, or walk
Depending on your lifestyle and commute, these personal options may also be worth exploring:
- Bike: Biking is a popular and efficient choice. Helmets are legally required when biking inside Moffett Field.
- Scooter: Electric scooters are another option for short distances around Mountain View. Protect your scooter from being stolen by always locking it up. Scooters are not permitted inside CMU-SV Buildings.
- Many students live within walking distance of campus.
If you choose to commute to campus by bike or scooter, be sure to read CMU-SV’s campus policies page.
Car and rideshare services
Whether you're heading to the grocery store, running errands, going to a medical appointment, or need a ride to an internship, these services provide easy access to transportation without the long-term commitment of owning a vehicle.