SamTrans has been awarded $16 million in federal funds as part of the second coronavirus response and relief bill passed last year. SamTrans has faced unprecedented challenges as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, resulting in close to 65% reduction in ridership.
Funding provided by the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act has allowed SamTrans to maintain service. These additional funds will allow the agency to sustain its long-term projects and programs, such as Reimagine SamTrans, a comprehensive operational analysis of the system that will allow the agency to better serve the public’s transit needs.
SamTrans was not alone in receiving funding, as the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) received $297 million, while BART received $274 million. AC Transit got $55.5 million, while Caltrain and the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) received over $39 million each.
“COVID-19 has simply been catastrophic for public transit,” said SamTrans Board of Directors Chair Charles Stone. “This federal support is vitally necessary to ensure that SamTrans can continue to be there for the people who depend on it.”
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About SamTrans: SamTrans operates 70 routes throughout San Mateo County. Funded in part by a half-cent sales tax, the San Mateo County Transit 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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