Media Contact: Randol White, 650-647-3489
SamTrans expects ridership rates to surpass pre-pandemic levels in the coming months as it enters the fourth and final phase of its Reimagine SamTrans initiative. Data from May 2024 show fixed route ridership hit 98.2% of May 2019 levels, well above regional and national recovery trends.
"We are thrilled to launch the final phase of Reimagine SamTrans, culminating two years of dedicated efforts to revitalize our transit system,” said SamTrans General Manager/CEO April Chan. “And, by all measures, it’s working as intended.”
The latest Reimagine changes will go into effect on August 4, introducing two new routes, returning one route, and bringing enhanced service frequency and hours to several others.
The initiative was developed during the early days of the pandemic to adapt the transit network to better meet the evolving needs of the community. Implementation began in summer 2022 after more than two years of data gathering, analysis, and robust public engagement. It has been rolled out in multiple phases, each focusing on specific improvements to routes, schedules, and services.
Highlights of Phase Four (see a complete list):
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Enhanced Service Frequency: Routes 110, 120, 141, 250, 260, 276, 278, 292, 296, and FCX will see increased frequency, reducing wait times and improving overall convenience for riders.
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New Weekend Service: Routes 276 and 295 will see service on Saturday and Sunday, while Routes 251 and 260 will see new service on Sundays.
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New Routes: SamTrans is adding Routes CSM and SKY to better serve community college students attending both College of San Mateo and Skyline College.
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Returned Route: Express route PCX (formerly Route 118) will return with new routing between Linda Mar Park and Ride and Daly City BART.
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Salesforce Transit Center: Routes 292, 397 OWL, FCX and EPX will now directly serve Salesforce Transit Center in San Francisco, providing enhanced regional connections and improved waiting facilities for riders.
From phase one through phase four, Reimagine SamTrans has boosted in-service hours by 12%, increased bus operator workforce by 15%, increased the frequency of service on 15 routes, added an on-demand service (Ride Plus) in two areas, and brought bus service to new destinations, at more times, on more days of the week.
“We’re excited to see the continued growth we expect to come from these latest changes,” said Chan. “Although Reimagine SamTrans is entering its final phase, this does not mark the end of the road for our improvements. Reimagine gave us a winning recipe for success that we plan to use moving forward."
The successful implementation of the Reimagine SamTrans initiative has been a collaborative effort, involving extensive input from riders, community stakeholders, and transit experts. The agency looks forward to continuing this partnership as it strives to maintain and build upon the progress achieved.
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About SamTrans:
The San Mateo County Transit District operates 74 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.
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