SamTrans continues to partner with other Bay Area transit agencies to develop common commitments and expectations to protect employees and passengers from COVID. From this work, we developed Riding Together—Bay Area Healthy Transit Plan to align the region’s public transportation providers around transit-related health and safety standards.
The Healthy Transit Plan was developed using information from local, state, national and international public health experts.
The plan calls for face coverings and hand washing, and recommends riders minimize talking onboard. Additionally, it recommends routine cleaning and disinfecting practices, as well as maximizing fresh air on board.
The Healthy Transit Plan is a living document and will be updated as conditions change.
SamTrans requires passengers to wear a face covering when riding or waiting for the bus, in accordance with public health guidance.
Use of MERV-7 rated filters to reduce harmful airborne particulates. Fresh air enters our vehicles as doors are frequently opened and closed to allow for passengers to board or exit.
Temperature checks (e.g. thermal scanners) at facilities upon check-in. Providing educational materials on proper health measures. Supplies provided to staff (e.g. masks, hand sanitizers). Installation of operator barrier onboard buses.
SamTrans cleans all buses daily to keep passengers and staff safe. We sanitize regularly with products listed by the EPA to be effective against SARS-CoV-2.
Physical Distancing
Passengers are encouraged to practice physical distancing. SamTrans bus operators will monitor the number of passengers on the bus. If a bus reaches capacity, the Operator will inform those waiting at a bus stop that a standby vehicle is on the way.
Enforcing physical (social) distancing no less than six feet.
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Fare Collection
Customers may use contactless payment methods like Clipper or the SamTrans Mobile app. Cash is still accepted on board.
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Please check timetables for current information or call Customer Service: 1-800-660-4287 (7am to 7pm, weekdays; 8am to 5pm weekends).
The Customer Service window (1250 San Carlos Ave, San Carlos) is open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday. Visit Clipper Card to set up autoload.
See Official Press Releases RESOLUTION NO. 2020-37
UPDATE, 8/10/2020
SamTrans Increases Service, Enhances Boarding Procedures
As community needs and economic conditions stemming from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continue to influence public transit ridership, SamTrans is updating its schedule and operations effective Sunday, August 16. In addition to more frequent service, the agency will resume fare collection and front-door boarding with the installation of protective barriers that allow customers to pay their fare while avoiding contact with bus operators.
To read the full news release, click HERE.
UPDATE, 4/20/2020
SamTrans Reduces Service in Response to Pandemic, Face Coverings Now Required Onboard
SamTrans will be implementing a modified schedule beginning Sunday, April 26, with service reductions on 31 routes. Riders and bus operators will also be required to wear face coverings onboard to comply with a San Mateo County Public Health Order issued on Friday, April 17.
This service change reflects SamTrans’ significantly reduced ridership since the shelter-in-place order took effect in March, with a drop of 65-70% across most routes. The adjustments will preserve the operation of service levels that allow residents to conduct essential travel.
In order to maintain social distancing, SamTrans will be monitoring ridership levels route-by-route, and will make adjustments as needed.
Most SamTrans routes will be operating on their Saturday schedules during the weekday. Routes 118, 274, 275 and 276 have seen such large dips in ridership that they will be removed from operation. Routes 270, 397, and 398 will operate as normal as they have not seen significant decreases.
Route ECR, the most popular route in the system, will run buses every 20 minutes on weekdays. The ECR will not have any changes to Saturday or Sunday service. Route FCX will only offer two trips in each direction during peak periods. Route SFO will have a 60 minute frequency, rather than the usual 30 minutes. SamTrans riders can see route-by-route information at www.samtrans.com/timetableupdates.
To read the full news release, click HERE.
UPDATE, 3/24/2020
SamTrans to Begin Rear-Boarding Practice
In an effort to comply with social distancing recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, SamTrans has implemented rear-door boarding on buses with multiple doors in its fixed route service. ADA passengers and riders needing assistance will still be able to board through the front doors. Fare payment on these routes will not be required until further notice.
SamTrans continues to serve riders who rely on public transit for vital access to resources, and is committed to the well-being and health of our bus operators and riders. While onboard the bus, riders should try and stay six feet apart from fellow passengers. SamTrans is maintaining daily onboard cleaning and sanitation protocols in compliance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines.
To read the full news release, click HERE
UPDATE, 3/16/2020
SamTrans Suspends School Routes
A Public Health Order has been issued that requires Bay Area residents in six counties, including San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, to shelter in place as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Public transit services, such as SamTrans, are identified as "essential" under the order and will continue to operate, however, use of public transportation is limited to essential required travel only.
SamTrans will continue to operate a non-school day schedule on weekdays. During the week, routes will not serve stops that are labeled as ‘School Days Only.’ Weekend service and paratransit service will operate unchanged. Ridership will be monitored closely to ensure that riders are able to practice social distancing in accordance with Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.
Average weekday ridership has decreased by approximately 19% since COVID-19 containment efforts began. To read the full news release, click HERE.
UPDATE, 3/4/2020
In light of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the Bay Area, the San Mateo County Transit District is monitoring the situation and maintaining regular contact with local public health agencies, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The Transit District is the administrative body for the principal public transit and transportation programs in San Mateo County, including SamTrans bus service and Caltrain commuter rail service.
As reported by the CDC, the immediate risk posed by COVID-19 to the public remains relatively low. However, we understand this can raise concerns about safety in public spaces, including public transit. Therefore, we want to remind passengers about CDC-recommended precautions everyone should take onboard public transit to prevent the spread of illnesses:
- Wash your hands with soap and water before and after riding public transit. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Avoid eating while onboard.
- Do not cough into your hands. Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow.
- Stay home if you are sick.
While SamTrans buses and Caltrain trains are regularly cleaned and sanitized, following these recommendations is the best way to prevent the spread of illnesses onboard. To read the full news release, click HERE.
We will continue to monitor the situation as it unfolds and respond as necessary in partnership with our public health and transportation partners.
Be safe, wash your hands and refer to public health agencies to minimize risk of exposure.
Jim Hartnett
General Manager/CEO, San Mateo County Transit District
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