SamTrans

SamTrans passed a milestone in 2006, when the agency celebrated its 30th year of service. Since 1976, more than half a billion customers have ridden its buses throughout San Mateo County, and into Palo Alto and San Francisco.

Bus ridership has grown from four million in SamTrans’ first year to more than 14 million a year, an increase of 355 percent. SamTrans’ fixed-route bus system has 54 routes and on an average weekday our buses travel 32,000 miles and carry nearly 50,000 passengers.

Reinventing Fixed-route Service

Today, SamTrans is on the threshold of a series of improvements that will mean better service for riders. Although the changes may seem small when taken individually, they add up to a “reinvention” of SamTrans service.

The improvements include upgrades to equipment and amenities, as well as a new look at some of its most popular service.

New bus shelters are one of the first improvements that riders will see. A national agency is on the verge of installing new shelters in exchange for advertising space. The upgraded shelters, which will debut along El Camino Real in the fall, will help give SamTrans a new image.

Work on a multi-million dollar contract to replace the fareboxes on all the buses is underway. The current mechanically-operated fareboxes are 20 years old and cannot provide many of the functions that will be needed in the future. The new fareboxes will be computerized and will offer more fare media options, such as day passes.

In the next three years, SamTrans will be replacing more than 100 of its buses. While the specifications for these new vehicles have not yet been completed, they will be the most energy-efficient vehicles on the market.

As a result of an extensive survey of SamTrans riders, the staff also is looking at the feasibility of some form of express bus service on El Camino Real. The new service will offer a competitive alternative to driving on El Camino Real and will be designed in conjunction with improved east-west bus service. Some of the possibilities under consideration for the hillside neighborhoods include smaller buses and partnerships with cities to provide community shuttles.

Innovation Through Partnerships

SamTrans is bringing private and public partners together to develop innovative new service models.

In Redwood City, SamTrans has introduced a residential pass program for Villa Montgomery residents. The 58-unit apartment complex, located on El Camino Real, is within walking distance to the Sequoia Station transit center. All residents five years and older will receive a pass to ride local SamTrans service and Route KX. This pilot program is funded by the developer and will be evaluated after 18 months.

On the Coastside, SamTrans was instrumental in building a consortium of public agencies to fund expanded bus service to this rural community. Thanks to a combination of grant funds, Route 14, which serves Pacifica, now runs later on weekdays and more often on Saturdays. The route also now offers Sunday service.

Route 17, which traveled on Highway 1 between Half Moon Bay and Moss Beach, has been extended to serve Montara. The expansion, also covered by grant funds, includes longer service hours, Sunday service and additional morning and afternoon buses during the school year.