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. 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.  

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. 

Learn more about the components of the Bus Stop Improvement Project: 

SamTrans launched its Bus Stop Improvement Plan (BSIP) in 2022 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  

Read the Adopted Bus Stop Improvement Plan

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. 

Explore the interactive webmap below to view recommended bus stop improvements and amenities identified through the Bus Stop Improvement Plan (BSIP) across San Mateo County.

Stop Categories and Implementation

In February 2025, SamTrans launched the Amenities Design Refresh Project, which updates its design standards portfolio for bus stop amenities to improve consistency with our branding, align with industry standards, and be responsive to the physical and environmental conditions of bus stop locations throughout the County.

Adopted in February 2026, the refreshed standards feature:

  • Multiple improved and adaptable shelter designs, including options for space-constrained locations and a new full-featured amenity pole for stops without bus shelters.
  • A modular, kit-of-parts approach using long-lasting materials to support easier maintenance, repair, and replacement.
  • Multiple seating options to fit varying site conditions and rider needs.
  • Real-time information displays, with multiple options that can accommodate different power and site constraints.
  • Flexibility to accommodate both paper and digital advertising. 

In Summer 2025, SamTrans tested out different styles of benches and seats at select locations around San Mateo County to seek rider input on design, comfort, and other observations. Multilingual surveys were provided in-person and online and SamTrans staff were available to engage with riders at each stop. More than two hundred riders completed the surveys, and feedback was incorporated into the Amenities Design Refresh Project.
 

SamTrans is currently working to determine a replacement schedule for shelters within the system, and we look forward to collaborating with cities throughout San Mateo, Santa Clara, and San Francisco Counties to implement these standards as part of new public realm improvements, streetscape projects, and other developments that incorporate bus access. Early conversations can help ensure that future bus stop improvements integrate well with local plans and community needs.

Bus Stop Improvement Plan 

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