Micro-transit’s mega moment: Silicon Valley cities get funding to grow ride-share services

MULTIPLE SILICON VALLEY cities are raking in money for micro-transit programs, which transit advocates say is critical for areas with sparser public transportation.

Sunnyvale has secured a roughly $4.2 million grant from the California State Transportation Agency to cover about half the cost of a micro-transit pilot program for at least five years beginning next year. The grant would give the city nine electric vehicles. It adds to a recent $500,000 VTA grant received by Cupertino and Santa Clara to support Silicon Valley Hopper, a ride-share service where residents can call a car citywide and get to their destination for less than $5. The existing service is funded through fiscal year 2026-27, partially covered by a roughly $8.5 million state grant.