The Santa Clara Valley Trans Authority s primary responsibility is the development, operation and maintenance of the bus and light rail system within the county of Santa Clara, Calif. Since the company separated from the County of Santa Clara and merged with the region s Congestion Management Agency in January 1995, the company has undertaken the additional responsibility of managing the countys agenda to reduce congestion and improve air quality. The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority began as a county department created by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors in June 1972 to oversee the region s transportation system. Working under the direction of a 12-member Board of Directors, it provides bus and rail service to approximately 180,000 passengers per day.