The San Mateo County Transit District Board of Directors passed a resolution honoring Hispanic Heritage Month at its September meeting.
From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, SamTrans will continue to recognize and celebrate the many contributions, diverse cultures and extensive histories of the Hispanic communities in San Mateo County.
Nearly a quarter of county residents identify as Hispanic or Latino according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and a recent survey shows the Hispanic community makes up an even larger share of SamTrans riders, at 41%.
Bus operators are also celebrating their Hispanic heritage, including Maria Gomez, who has been with SamTrans for 22 years.
Maria Gomez sits behind the wheel of her coach.
“The Hispanic community is vibrant here in San Mateo County,” said Operator Gomez. “We each contribute little parts of our heritage that we bring from our countries, and that makes for a lot of diversity within the community itself.”
As the primary transit connection serving the county, it is fitting that SamTrans recognize the diverse population that it serves every day.
SamTrans prides itself as a system that is open and welcoming to everyone, considers access to transportation a fundamental civil right, and believes transportation must be provided to everyone in a just and equitable manner.