Improving Your Ride, One Stop at a Time 


SamTrans Bus Stop Improvement Project

SamTrans is committed to providing transit riders across San Mateo County with bus stops that are welcoming, comfortable, and rider-friendly. The Bus Stop Improvement Project, which builds off the previously adopted Bus Stop Improvement Plan (BSIP),  includes the Bus Stop Improvement Implementation, Amenities Design Refresh, and the Bus Bench Pilot. We are investing in the community by upgrading critical elements of our bus stops, such as seating, lighting, visibility, signage, and real-time information displays, ensuring riders have an improved  transit experience from the moment they reach the stop.  

From now through September 13, provide your feedback for the bus bench pilot by taking this survey or at BSIP@SamTrans.com. 

SamTrans launched BSIP to meet the needs of evolving transit patterns and community feedback. Through comprehensive engagement, a planning effort was completed in 2024, and included:  

  • A full inventory of over 1,800 bus stops in the SamTrans network  
  • Rider and stakeholder feedback collection  
  • The development of updated design guidelines
  • An identification of priority investments for near-term implementation  
Bus Stop Improvement Implementation

The 220 high-priority bus stops designated for improvements through BSIP were identified and prioritized based on rider volume, location, and direct community input. SamTrans staff is currently working with cities and Caltrans directly on design, logistics, and permitting on these stops in a phased approach, starting with the highest priority near-term stops. 

In February 2025, the District launched the Amenities Design Refresh Project, which updates SamTrans’ design standards portfolio for bus stop amenities. This includes updating existing designs for full-size shelters, benches and other seating, and designing for new amenities such as narrow footprint shelters or shade structures, lighting, and real-time information displays. The project aims to develop “refreshed” designs for SamTrans’s amenities that are consistent with our branding, align with industry standards, and are responsive to the physical and environmental conditions of bus stops throughout the County. 

SamTrans is testing out different styles of benches and seats at select locations and is seeking rider input on design, comfort, and other observations. Feedback will be incorporated into the Amenities Design Refresh Project. Multilingual surveys are available and engagement with riders will be conducted at stops from now through September 13. Provide your feedback by taking this survey or at BSIP@SamTrans.com. 
 

Tolar Mesa Bench

Mesa Bench

Perforated Metal Bench

Perforated Metal Bench

Richmond Bench

Richmond Bench

Simme Seat

Simmie Seat

Tolar Mesa Perch Bench

Perch

BSIP recommendations are based on nearly two years of comprehensive outreach and analysis, covering more than 1,800 bus stops across the SamTrans system. Bus stop improvements were clearly identified as a priority for riders during the route redesign Reimagine SamTrans outreach efforts, during which the agency conducted a multilingual bus stop survey and engaged with local jurisdictions on how to improve the transit experience for riders in their community.  

As a result of these efforts, SamTrans developed the Bus Stop Design Guidelines to help guide future investments in bus stops and clarify processes for local governments working with SamTrans to improve bus stops and other transit amenities.   

Final project materials include:  
 

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