Media Contact: Randol White, 415-515-7624
For the second straight year, SamTrans will offer 5,000 free Way2Go passes to students with the greatest financial need at Cañada College, College of San Mateo and Skyline College. The program helps remove transportation barriers so students can focus on their education.
The program’s first year offered 5,000 passes during the 2024–25 academic year, giving many students free, unlimited rides on SamTrans buses seven days a week. Building on that success, the 2025–26 academic year will see another round of passes distributed to help students get to class, work and other essential destinations.
Funded by a $730,000 City/County Association of Governments (C/CAG) Lifeline Transportation Program Cycle 7 Grant, the initiative totals 10,000 passes over two years. The grant is supported by a $109,000 match from the San Mateo County Community Colleges Foundation and a $36,000 match from SamTrans.
“Last year’s program clearly demonstrated the difference reliable, fare-free transportation can make for students who need it most,” said SamTrans Deputy General Manager/CEO David Santoro. “We’re proud to continue this collaboration with SMCCCD and C/CAG in year two and look forward to building on the positive results we’ve already seen.”
Passes will again be distributed through the colleges’ SparkPoint centers, which connect low-income students to essential resources and programs. Outreach to qualifying students will begin after the start of the fall semester on Aug. 13, with distribution to follow shortly after.
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The San Mateo County Transit District operates 74 routes and two on-demand service areas. Funded in part by a half-cent sales tax, the district also provides administrative support for Caltrain and the San Mateo County Transportation Authority. SamTrans has provided bus service to San Mateo County customers since 1976. SamTrans was named the 2024 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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