Gallery1970s
About The Campaign

Soundtracking Half a Century of Service

For 50 years, SamTrans has been the rhythmic heartbeat connecting the communities of San Mateo County. To celebrate this golden milestone, we're inviting local artists, producers, and musicians to create an original piece of music inspired by the journey, the people, and the motion of public transit.

Whether it's a hip-hop beat sampling the hum of an electric bus, a classical composition reflecting the scenic coastal routes, or an indie track about morning commutes—we want to hear your transit story.

Explore the 50th Anniversary

Process

How to Enter the Contest

Create Original Music

Compose a track (1-3 minutes) inspired by SamTrans, movement, or community connection in San Mateo County.

Submit via Form

Upload your MP3, WAV, MP4 file or provide a 
streaming link along with a brief 
description of your inspiration.

Share Your Story

Post a snippet on social media tagging @SamTrans and using #SamTrans50Music to rally community votes.

Submit Your Entry Now
Official Guidelines

Contest Rules & Requirements

Please review all requirements carefully before submitting your entry

Eligibility Requirements
  • There is no minimum age to enter
  • Minors must have parent or legal guardian review, agree and consent to contest rules
  • Current resident of San Mateo County or Bay Area
  • Open to solo artists, bands, and producers
  • No professional affiliation with SamTrans required
Content Requirements
  • Must be inspired by transit, movement, or community
  • Any genre welcome (hip-hop, electronic, classical, etc.)
  • Lyrics optional (instrumental tracks accepted)
  • Must include brief description of inspiration
Submission Guidelines
  • Original composition only (no covers)
  • Track length: 1-5 minutes
  • Accepted formats: MP3, WAV, MP4 (min 320kbps)
  • Or provide streaming link (Spotify, SoundCloud, etc.)
Prizes & Judging
  • Prize: $500 for each of the eight (8) Finalists
  • Vinyl Record: One (1) commemorative pressed vinyl record featuring the winning songs
  • Estimated value: $525 
  • Judged by music & transit industry professionals
Additional Terms

By submitting, you grant SamTrans non-exclusive rights to use your music for promotional purposes related to the 50th Anniversary campaign. You retain all ownership and rights to your original work.

View Full Terms & Conditions

Important Dates

Contest Timeline

Mark your calendar with these key milestones

Contest Launch

Submissions officially open to all Bay Area artists

April 17, 2026
Submission Deadline

Final day to submit your 
entry—no extensions!

June 16, 2026
Judging & Vote

Expert panel reviews entries + public voting opens

June 17–23, 2026
Winner Announcement

Grand prize and runner- up winners revealed at special event

June 24, 2026
Submit Your Track

Contest Entry Form

Fill out the form below to submit your original music. Required fields are marked with an asterisk. 
If any information is missing, the form will highlight the fields that need attention so you can review and resubmit.

Artist Information

Track Submission

One file only.
50 MB limit.
Allowed types: mp3, wav, m4a.
Please upload the highest resolution image available, preferably at least 3000 pixels by 2000 pixels
Describe how your music reflects transit, movement, community, or the SamTrans 50th anniversary

 

Social Media (Optional)

I confirm that this is an original composition, I am 18+ years old, and I agree to the contest terms and conditions. I grant SamTrans non-exclusive rights to use this music for promotional purposes related to the 50th 
Anniversary campaign. 

View Full Terms & Conditions

 

Consent Form for Minors

One file only.
1 MB limit.
Allowed types: pdf.
Please upload the highest resolution image available, preferably at least 3000 pixels by 2000 pixels