By Kaitlyn Koenig
For 50 years, SamTrans has connected communities across San Mateo County and the Peninsula. While most people know SamTrans for providing reliable public transportation, many don't realize the agency's role extends far beyond daily service. Behind every bus is a team trained to respond when emergencies strike, helping communities stay safe during disasters, evacuations, and public health crises.
For decades, SamTrans has partnered with local emergency response agencies to provide emergency transportation whenever it is needed most, at no cost. In times of crisis, SamTrans buses do far more than move people from one place to another along fixed routes. They also help evacuate residents, transport essential personnel, serve as temporary shelters, and provide critical support during disaster response efforts.
Built to Respond
One of two Disaster Response buses at SamTrans
SamTrans operates two specialized disaster response buses designed for large-scale incidents. Equipped with multiple power connections for medical equipment, expanded wheelchair capacity, and Wi-Fi, these buses support passengers with mobility or medical needs while assisting first responders in the field.
Depending on the incident, SamTrans deploys either standard buses for large evacuations or disaster response buses when additional accessibility is needed.
The interior of a SamTrans Disaster Response Bus
Ready at a Moment's Notice
When police and fire agencies request assistance, SamTrans Dispatch immediately begins coordinating a response. Available operators are assigned based on the needs of the incident, while additional employees provide assistance beyond their scheduled shifts to provide extra support. To help ensure a rapid response, SamTrans is authorized to deploy up to two emergency buses without additional approval. Every SamTrans bus operator is a certified disaster relief worker who receives specialized emergency response training, ensuring they are prepared to respond whenever the community calls.
Omar Brown, acting deputy director of safety and security for SamTrans, helps ensure the agency is prepared to respond when emergencies arise. Through twice-yearly emergency drills, he coordinates training for frontline employees, preparing them to serve as certified disaster relief workers when communities need them most.
"Preparing our employees for disaster response is one of the most important things we do," Brown said. "When emergencies happen, our buses and operators are ready to step in and support the community."
Answering the Call Through the Years
Loma Prieta Earthquake Response (1989)
Monica Colondres joined SamTrans in 1977 as one of the agency's original bus operators. During the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, she witnessed firsthand how SamTrans responded to one of the Bay Area's most devastating disasters. The 6.9-magnitude quake struck just before Game 3 of the “Battle of the Bay” World Series at Candlestick Park, where SamTrans buses were already staged to transport riders home after the game. Instead, operators quickly shifted into emergency response mode, safely transporting approximately 2,000 additional people who needed assistance leaving the area.
The next morning, Colondres witnessed another remarkable display of dedication. Despite the devastation across the Bay Area, she was not aware of any reported operator absences, which allowed the system to keep moving at top efficiency.
"I just came in because I thought you might need the extra help today," one employee told Colondres. Less than 24 hours after the earthquake, SamTrans was fully staffed, with operators ready to support the community's recovery.
San Bruno Gas Explosion (2010)
Following the devastating San Bruno gas pipeline explosion in 2010, SamTrans buses helped evacuate residents as neighborhoods were cleared. Buses were staged at the Bayhill Shopping Center — just outside the evacuation zone — to transport residents to safety. Standard buses evacuated residents, while the agency's Disaster Response Buses assisted passengers with mobility and medical needs. Many evacuees were transported to the San Bruno Senior Center, which served as a temporary shelter. Bus operators remained on scene through the night, shuttling residents between the staging area and shelters as the response continued.
Asiana Flight 214 & Hallmark House Fire (2013)
On July 6, 2013, SamTrans dispatched two buses after Asiana Airlines Flight 214 crashed while landing at San Francisco International Airport. After receiving the request, bus operators entered the airport through a designated back entrance, following established emergency response plans that had been practiced in advance. One bus supported rescue operations at the airport, while the other transported injured passengers and medical personnel to Stanford Hospital.
Less than 24 hours later, SamTrans was called into action again when a six-alarm fire displaced dozens of residents at the Hallmark House Apartments in Redwood City. Operators evacuated approximately 80 residents to safety before transporting families to temporary housing. Responding to two major emergencies in less than 48 hours highlighted SamTrans' preparedness and flexibility in times of crisis.
In the days following the fire, the Redwood City Fire Department recognized SamTrans for its assistance. Deputy Fire Chief Stan Maupin reflected on the response in a previous SamTrans blog:
"We were very fortunate to have the assistance of SamTrans following this tragic incident. The bus system proved to be an invaluable asset in helping the displaced residents in their time of need. It's comforting to know that we can rely on SamTrans and all our regional partners to transport our citizens even under the most extreme conditions."
Helping Wherever Needed (2013)
While many responses involve large-scale emergencies, SamTrans is also ready to assist when unexpected incidents occur. In 2013, North Base mechanic Earl Newton was driving to work when he spotted a tour bus on fire along Highway 101. After alerting his supervisors, SamTrans quickly dispatched a bus to safely transport stranded passengers away from the busy highway while emergency crews responded. The incident reflects the commitment of SamTrans employees and their willingness to step up even when they are not on duty.
Supporting Communities During COVID-19 (2020)
During the COVID-19 pandemic, SamTrans deployed one of its specialized disaster response buses to evacuate vulnerable residents from a skilled nursing facility in Millbrae following a COVID-19 outbreak. Designed to accommodate passengers with medical and mobility needs, the bus safely transported bedridden residents alongside medical staff and essential equipment. The response demonstrated SamTrans' ability to adapt and provide critical support during public health emergencies.
Supporting a Fellow Transit Agency (2021)
Following the tragic mass shooting at the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), SamTrans joined regional transit partners by temporarily operating VTA bus routes while their operators recovered. The response reflected the strength of the Bay Area's mutual aid network, and the commitment of transit agencies to support one another during times of crisis.
Flood Response Across the Peninsula (2023)
During the severe winter storms of 2023, SamTrans supported flood response efforts in Belmont, San Carlos, and Half Moon Bay. As flooding worsened across the region, buses assisted with evacuations and remained on standby as conditions changed.
In Belmont, floodwaters quickly surrounded a mobile-home community, and SamTrans buses were dispatched to evacuate residents. Bus Manager Kristopher Longa was among the supervisors coordinating the response and witnessed the flooding firsthand.
"The water had risen so high that it reached inside the buses as they drove through the mobile home park," Longa said. "Some residents had to jump directly from the flooded streets onto the buses to reach safety."
In Half Moon Bay, SamTrans buses remained on standby for several hours, ensuring evacuation resources were immediately available if conditions worsened.
More Than Transportation
Emergency preparedness doesn't happen by chance. Behind every response are employees who train year-round alongside regional emergency response agencies. These exercises help ensure SamTrans is ready to respond safely and effectively whenever assistance is needed.
For 50 years, SamTrans has done far more than move people from place to place. The agency has helped communities evacuate during disasters, transported patients during medical emergencies, and answered the call whenever help was needed.
Senior Financial Operations Analyst Don Esse reflected on SamTrans' decades of mutual aid service.
"The mutual aid services SamTrans provides have made a difference for decades. It's a service we're proud to provide," Esse said.
Connecting the Peninsula is more than a slogan. It reflects SamTrans' commitment to helping people stay connected through everything, whether it's a daily commute or a moment of crisis.
As SamTrans celebrates its 50th anniversary, the agency proudly recognizes the employees who have stepped up time and again to serve others. Their dedication has shaped SamTrans' legacy and will continue to define its commitment to serving the Peninsula for generations to come.
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The San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans) operates 74 bus routes, two on-demand service areas and paratransit, serving more than 10-million riders annually. Funded in part by a half-cent sales tax, the District also provides administrative support for Caltrain and the San Mateo County Transportation Authority.
Serving San Mateo County since 1976, SamTrans is celebrating 50 years of connecting communities, supporting mobility, and advancing public transportation throughout the county. SamTrans is proud to have twice been named Outstanding Public Transportation System by the American Public Transportation Association, recognizing the agency’s excellence in safety, service, operations, and innovation.
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