Every weekday, more than 4,000 students rely on SamTrans School-Oriented routes to get to class and back home, making public transit an important part of the school transportation network across San Mateo County.
For students, riding SamTrans can also be an enjoyable part of the school day — a chance to travel with friends, build independence and become more comfortable getting around their community. At the same time, SamTrans service gives families an affordable, sustainable transportation option while reducing the transportation burden on local school districts. This school year alone, SamTrans distributed 23,300 youth unlimited passes to help socio-economically disadvantaged youth ride our buses for free.
With thousands of students riding alongside the general public, keeping that experience safe and welcoming takes a shared commitment. SamTrans is strengthening the policies, partnerships and enforcement tools designed to keep students, operators and every passenger safe.
“Learning to get around independently is an important part of growing up, and public transit gives students another safe and sustainable way to connect with their schools and communities,” said Safe Routes to School Coordinator Theresa Vallez-Kelly. “When students understand how to ride safely and respectfully, everyone benefits.”
That shared responsibility is especially important because SamTrans buses are public transit — not school buses.
SamTrans routes are open to everyone, and passengers may stand when seats are full. During peak commute periods, buses can carry significantly more passengers than a traditional school bus. Operators must safely navigate traffic, serve stops and assist passengers, making it critical that riders avoid behavior that could distract them from driving.
Schools have disciplined students in the past for vaping, throwing objects from bus windows and other disruptive conduct aboard buses. Behavior that distracts an operator isn't simply a disciplinary issue — it can put everyone aboard at risk.
“The bus needs to be a safe space just like the classroom needs to be a safe space,” said Executive Director of Safe and Supportive Schools with the San Mateo County Office of Education Valerie Arbizu. “And I think part of what our students forget is that there is an adult on the bus and their job is to maintain a safe space for students.”
Building a culture of safety
SamTrans works closely with schools, families and the San Mateo County Office of Education to prevent problems before they occur and make sure students understand what safe behavior looks like aboard public transit.
The partnership includes student safety presentations, outreach at school and community events and annual meetings with school administrators. SamTrans has also developed a multilingual Safety Tips for Students Flyer and a new Student Safety Video to give students and families clear guidance before they board.
Education and outreach are one part of that effort. SamTrans has also strengthened the tools available when passenger behavior threatens safety.
In 2024, SamTrans adopted a new Code of Conduct that clearly defines prohibited behavior on SamTrans service. Last year, the agency also approved a Passenger Suspension Policy that establishes a process for restricting access to service when warranted.
Most buses are also equipped with high-definition, 360-degree cameras that continuously record activity aboard the vehicle. When an incident involving students occurs, SamTrans can share relevant recordings with school officials to help them understand what happened and take appropriate action. The cameras provide an important accountability and enforcement tool while allowing operators to keep their attention where it belongs: on safely operating the bus.
“The Code of Conduct and suspension policy show that SamTrans is listening to operators' concerns about safety,” said Bus Operator Mentor Stacy Monroe. “The policy provides a process to address passenger behavior and allows the District to take action when necessary, including suspending passengers from service.”
Keeping an essential service safe
A safe bus is also a better bus ride. Students should be able to talk with friends, enjoy the trip and gain some independence while getting where they need to go. Making that possible takes cooperation among SamTrans, schools, families and students themselves.
For students, that shared responsibility is straightforward: follow the rules, respect fellow passengers and allow operators to focus on the road.
With thousands of students depending on SamTrans service every school day, keeping buses safe protects more than a ride to school. It helps preserve an affordable, sustainable and enjoyable transportation option that connects students with their schools and communities throughout San Mateo County.
For more information about SamTrans School-Oriented routes, visit the School-Oriented Routes FAQ.
Learn more about service updates for the new school year.
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