Media Contact: Randol White, 415-515-7624
SamTrans will offer riders free fares on Monday, Sept. 16, in recognition of Rider Appreciation Day. SamTrans wants to thank its riders, spread the word about its transformative Reimagine SamTrans campaign, and celebrate earning the American Public Transit Association’s (APTA’s) 2024 Outstanding Transit System.
Free rides apply to all SamTrans services including fixed route, Ride Plus, and paratransit. Free same-day paratransit service is based on availability and is not guaranteed. No purchase necessary on the SamTrans Mobile app or Clipper.
The Reimagine SamTrans campaign created new bus routes, faster service to key destinations, more frequent service every 15 minutes, expanded weekend and evening service, and Ride-Plus on-demand microtransit service in two areas of the county.
The campaign was developed during the early days of the pandemic to adapt the transit network to better meet the evolving needs of the community and improve mobility for everyone.
Implementation began in summer 2022 after more than two years of data gathering, analysis, and robust public engagement. Reimagine was rolled out over four phases, each focusing on specific improvements that resulted in nearly a 20% increase in ridership systemwide, bringing SamTrans ridership levels back to pre-quarantine levels.
The Reimagine SamTrans network represents the largest service increase in recent memory at SamTrans. It was made possible by San Mateo County voters who passed the Measure W half-cent sales tax in 2018.
SamTrans won the top award for the transit industry — the APTA Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement award — earlier this year. The award honors transit agencies that demonstrate superior achievement in efficiency and effectiveness.
SamTrans was recognized for having one of the nation’s best ridership recovery numbers following the Covid lockdown, beginning the transition to a 100% zero-emission fleet, and the systemwide updates to improve routes, schedules and services that were implemented through Reimagine SamTrans. Thank you to our dedicated SamTrans workforce and customers for making this award possible.
SamTrans also felt that Sept. 16 was a good time to celebrate, given that it falls right in the middle of the Bay Area’s Transit Month.
###
About SamTrans: The San Mateo County Transit District operates 71 routes and two on-demand service areas. Funded in part by a half-cent sales tax, the district also provides administrative support for Caltrain and the San Mateo County Transportation Authority. SamTrans has provided bus service to San Mateo County customers since 1976.
Check out our most recent Next Stop newsletter and subscribe. Also, follow SamTrans on Facebook and X.
Free translation assistance is available. Para traducción llama al 1.800.660.4287; 如需翻譯,請電 1.800.660.4287.