Author: Grace Li, San Jose, California
Today, Rod Diridon Sr., known as the “father of modern transit” in the South Bay, passed away at 87 years old.
Long-time Santa Clara County supervisor and contributor to the establishment of the VTA in the 1970s, Diridon has given a lifetime of public service to the Silicon Valley and Santa Clara community. During his time in office, Diridon chaired nine public rail construction and operation projects, helping create and expand the VTA, CalTrain, light rail, the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system, and express trains.
After he retired from office in 1995, the San Jose Diridon Station was named after him in honor of his extensive contributions to our city.
In collaboration with House Transportation Committee Chairman Norman Mineta, Diridon advocated for Congress to create a new university-based transportation research cente, which was authorized through the 1991 ISTEA legislation. After his retirement, Diridon became the founding executive director of the Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) at San Jose State University, which has since graduated more than 300 students.
Diridon was also a Silicon Valley leader and advocate for environmental issues, arts and culture, higher education, community organizations, and philanthropy, including leading the Joseph B. Ridder Foundation, creating Diridon Leadership Scholarships at the College of Business and the women’s athletic program at San Jose State University, and founding the San Jose Symphony Foundation.
Diridon’s passed due to complications with cancer, according to local officials and family.
Although Diridon has sadly passed away, his contributions still live on in the public transit systems used by thousands every day, and in the extensive contributions he has made for Santa Clara throughout his career. Every time I board the VTA and pass by the Diridon Station, I’ll think of Rod Diridon Sr., and all he has done for our community.
The Megaphone 