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North Base is SamTrans’ primary hub for vehicle maintenance, operations, and dispatch, playing a central role in the agency’s daily transportation services. The 27-acre property houses two-thirds of the SamTrans bus fleet, an operator training facility, and rest areas for bus operators and other essential staff. It is also the planned site of a hydrogen refueling station for SamTrans’ new zero-emissions fleet.
Fact sheet Hoja informativa 情况介绍
Did you know that San Mateo County faces a greater threat from sea level rise than any other California county?*
Over 40 percent of its land, which encompasses bayside communities, critical infrastructure, and large parts of the population, is at risk. North Base is highly vulnerable to sea level rise and severe storms due to its location in the San Francisco Bay, where Colma Creek and the San Bruno Creek flow into the Bay.
As sea levels continue to rise, storm surges in the San Francisco Bay will grow in intensity and have the potential to be more costly for SamTrans. SamTrans needs to plan ahead in order to protect its fleet and operations to ensure it can continue to provide the transit service that millions depend on every year, preserving our regional economy and community in the process.
*Information from OneShoreline, a San Mateo County agency that addresses flooding, sea level rise, and coastal erosion.
Parts of the property are already impacted by shoreline erosion and soil movement (shown above).
To address these risks and maintain its ability to serve the community, SamTrans is conducting a feasibility study to explore two potential flood protection solutions: Regional Protection, which would safeguard North Base along with some adjacent communities, and Perimeter Protection, which would provide protection around the perimeter of North Base.
There’s More Riding on Transit Than People
Access to North Base is imperative for SamTrans to provide reliable and efficient transit to San Mateo County communities, supporting the region’s economy, workers, and educational institutions. SamTrans serves 9 million riders annually, including frontline workers, service providers, and students. These individuals are critical to the health of the regional economy.
Protecting Community Resources
North Base is home to the beloved San Francisco Bay Trail, which is used by the public for recreational activities and the chance to catch a glimpse of local wildlife. The property is also the site of one of San Mateo County’s largest housing shelters, Samaritan House’s Safe Harbor Shelter, which provides emergency and short-term housing to more than 350 people annually. Protecting North Base will ensure it remains safe and accessible to the entire community.
