Clipper changes are here.
Frequently Asked Questions for School Oriented Routes
- Why doesn’t the SamTrans schedule match my school bell schedule? SamTrans requests bell schedules from schools each year and your school may have missed the deadline. However, please report issues to SamTrans Customer Service at 1-800-660-4287. SamTrans will assess whether an adjustment can be made, and adjustments are made four times a year, in February, June, August, and November.
- Can SamTrans accommodate special dismissal schedules? SamTrans is unable to modify bus schedules based on special dismissal schedules. Our routes are public transit routes and need to operate on a regular schedule.
- Can elementary school students ride the bus unattended? SamTrans does not have an age limit to ride our buses. However, riders need to be able to use the system independently.
- There was an incident on my bus, what should I do? Please let the operator know. The operator will then report the incident to dispatch who will handle the incident with support from supervisors and transit PD as needed. Additionally, you can report issues to SamTrans Customer Service at 1-800-660-4287. SamTrans will review and follow up with appropriate action.
- Can we have two smaller buses instead of one large bus? SamTrans schedules the best fit bus to the route based on ridership. If demand is greater than capacity, SamTrans may be able to add a bus to alleviate the capacity dependent on resources.
- Can we get a new route for our school? SamTrans assigns buses based on ridership and available operators to ensure the most efficient use of resources. We aim to use one bus whenever possible, as our human bus operators are a valuable resource that we manage carefully. If demand exceeds capacity, we may be able to add an additional bus, depending on available resources.
- The bus is too crowded, can you add another bus? Please report issues to SamTrans Customer Service at 1-800-660-4287. On most SamTrans routes, including school oriented routes, the expectation is that some riders may need to stand. Our load capacity guideline is 150% of the seats on the bus. For example, if there are 40 seats on a bus, then the load capacity would be 60 riders, 40 seated and 20 standing. SamTrans reviews ridership levels regularly and will continue to assess whether routes have sufficient capacity. SamTrans guidelines meet transit industry standards.
- Why is my bus late? Operators do their best to stay on schedule. However, your bus may be delayed by traffic conditions or other circumstances. Please report issues to SamTrans Customer Service at 1-800-660-4287. We will also monitor on-time performance and will adjust if necessary if we see a pattern of late service.