The board overseeing the county’s bus service has approved a Reimagine SamTrans plan that will improve its transit network by providing more frequent and direct service to meet changing public needs.
“It was time to do a new strategic plan because the changing needs of this county were so amazing. At the time, there were so many changes going on that we needed to address,” SamTrans Board Member Rose Guilbault said. “What the [SamTrans] team has done is position us for the future and position us to be a world-class mobility system in this county.”
The Reimagine SamTrans project started in 2019 to review and update SamTrans’ system to meet the needs of the public and riders. The agency prioritized equity for high-need communities, investing in higher-frequency service on key corridors and improving efficiency.
Under the plan approved by the board at its March 2 meeting, Reimagine SamTrans will see more frequent service for routes 17, 110, 118, 121 and 250. Route ECR, which runs along El Camino Real from the Palo Alto Transit Center to the Daly City BART, will have service every 15 minutes all week, along with routes 130 and 296. Routes 275 and 276 will have later weekday service, while 121, 130 and 281 will have later weekend service. The plan calls for new service to Oyster Point, Skyline College, College of San Mateo, East Palo Alto, Redwood City, the airport and San Bruno BART.
SamTrans will eliminate Route 398 from downtown San Francisco to Redwood City and Route SFO. The new EPX route will serve some eliminated routes and East Palo Alto, Redwood City, the airport and San Bruno BART. Consolidation will occur for routes 274, 275 and 278 into a new route 278. Route FCX from Foster City to downtown San Francisco will remove service from San Francisco to Foster City in the morning and Foster City to San Francisco in the afternoon. Ten school-oriented routes will be consolidated into five, although it will preserve the majority of each route’s coverage.
Board Member Charles Stone, also a Belmont councilmember, praised the new network but noted people who are low income and live in more affluent areas of San Mateo County would lose some mobility due to the plan.
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“For the greater good, we are doing the right thing, but there are some negative impacts. If we have a windfall of money at some point, we should look into how we can change that,” Stone said.
Analysis conducted found the new network would not hurt minority populations or disproportionately burden low-income populations and meets federal regulations. Low-income tracts will receive service access improvements. The agency has prioritized more direct service and faster travel times, with new on-demand service zones in East Palo Alto and Half Moon Bay. Riders would take trips within the coverage area by using an app or calling to book trips. Board Member Marina Fraser praised the extra support for the coastside.
“The coastside will be impacted and could really change things for the better with the new on-demand that is going to be piloted. That is really exciting,” Fraser said.
Reimagine SamTrans started work in the fall of 2019 before a six-month delay due to COVID-19. A public outreach phase occurred in spring and fall 2021. SamTrans staff developed a final bus network last summer from three alternatives. Implementation of the new system will begin this summer in three phases. The August first phase will remove low-ridership routes and some segments, see route consolidations, extensions into Oyster Point in South San Francisco and the restoration of pre-COVID service. Phase two starts in early 2023 to implement the new EPX route and further frequency improvements. Phase three in mid- to late 2023 will launch additional new routes.
Gotta disagree with you on your service comment, Mike. Both the official numbers and a look around any bus will tell you that ridership is still FAR off pre-COVID levels. And the only cuts here are to lightly used lines, with the resources dedicated to lines used by those of who actually ride. Personally, I love that this reorganization focuses on those already riding instead of trying to be everything to everyone.
Until you ride the ECR northbound and southbound as well as the 260 westbound and eastbound and the 295 northbound and southbound and the 294 both ways for 6 months to one year straight, AND ride those routes 2 to 4 times a day, then you won't 'get it'.
Sometimes liars figure and figures lie. Right now, you drive and I use Sam Trans, so your POV is tilted.
The entire ReImagine crusade was fraudulent and management new all along what they wanted to do from the start. Lunches had in Redwood Shores near Falafels by Board of Directors, Steering committee members and Bus Operator reps (#490) was disengenuous. Minds were made up. Your comment 'those already riding' is reprehensible, irresponsible and unprofessional.
Mike, you must be confusing me with someone else. Otherwise you would not insult one of the most anti-car people I know (me) by calling him a driver. I rarely drive.
I have been a SamTrans rider since 1994, with the exception of two years I was in Humboldt County. I rode SamTrans daily most work days, until I got a new job in downtown San Francisco a few years back and switched to mostly bike and BART. I've ridden the ECR since it was the 5M, for many years between SSF and Redwood City. I know the pain of both 90 minute trips that should take 45 and the frustration of extended headways. I fought long and hard in the CAC for free transfers and better interconnection.
Frequency is key, and this arrangement improves it. I stand by my statement.
John - I bet you drive more than I do which is zero.
So imagine for a minute vs the Re-Imagine - made up word that ST came up with (similar to Andy Pettitt mis-remembering that he took PED's) - that you are part of a household where both parents work 9-5 and where there is kids who need public transportation to and from one of these schools, because the children live in Belmont or Redwood Shores (Serra * IHM * Carlmont* Tierra Linda * Ralston * CSUS-Belmont * Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Day Care Center).
So, you are telling me the powers to be 'did their homework' - where now - EVERY SINGLE Sam Trans Bus pole and or shelter - West of Continentals-Cipriani - is going to be cut down and removed, leaving zero service to the neighborhoods in and around Ralston Middle School - CSUS-Belmont, the neighborhoods in and around Hallmark, the neighborhoods in and around Polhemus and DeAnza - leading up Parrott Drive - to and including CSM. You are going to tell me that was brilliant planning that the 260 that leaves San Carlos Train Center, heading Westbound - will now END at Cipriani/Continentals.
Mike, while we’re not eye-to-eye on this issue, I appreciate your advocacy here. Please consider joining the SamTrans CAC. There are several vacancies, you get a free pass, and have the opportunity to let the staff and board directly how their policies affect riders. I’ll be happy to serve as a reference.
John, I have been to the meetings on everything from A - Z that they hold on San Carlos Ave Corporate Office - since 2014. Real change does not happen the way you are saying it does, somewhere along the line somebody gave you the Kool Aide and you drank it. This latest design change hidden under the fancy heading of Reimagine Sam Trans was a done deal BEFORE all the people voted up to and including November 8th. Don't talk or listen to the admin people - listen to the rank and file. Example - when they vet out drivers’ times for them to get to A to Z they have a pencil pushing doofus use (are you sitting down) Google times and directions. Those don't even consider school hours - weather or obstacles caused by cities like BELMONT subbing any and all work out to privates - who don't care that they tie up Ralston ave from ECR to Polhemus for years 1- 4 and it happens when students go back to school.
I wrote this on Oct 16th
75% of Redwood Shores Public Transportation Services are being Done Away with by Sam Trans.
They want to shorten Route 260 Cipriani Boulevard and at Bridge Parkway in Redwood Shores. School-related service in Redwood Shores would remain.
Sam Trans is secretly and quietly returning their Shores Route 260 bus service to minimum service - meaning - any time there is no school in session (or a Saturday or Holiday) the 260 that comes down Marine World Parkway heading east will NO longer loop the entire shores, will no longer drive down Shearwater Parkway to Redwood Shores Parkway to the SC Train Center.
The 260 on 'those days' will turn left on Bridge - left on Marine Parkway - and then up Ralston to Cipriani - even though there are Saturday classes at CSM and also Seniors who use the San Mateo Athletic Club on Saturday's.
The 260 bus will no longer travel to CSM at any time.
They are being disingenuous (naturally) and not letting The Shores residents know until it is too late.
The farthest distance it’ll travel is in Belmont at Ralston Ave/Cipriani Blvd.
SamTrans says they will maintain the existing 60 and 67 Bus Routes for Ralston Middle School and Carlmont High School as is (see here:
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(7) comments
Very disengenius.
Malarkey
Bird's of a feather ...
Pre-Covid totals are back, yet they cut routes?
How much did Hartnett get when he retired? Golden Parachute!
Gotta disagree with you on your service comment, Mike. Both the official numbers and a look around any bus will tell you that ridership is still FAR off pre-COVID levels. And the only cuts here are to lightly used lines, with the resources dedicated to lines used by those of who actually ride. Personally, I love that this reorganization focuses on those already riding instead of trying to be everything to everyone.
You are a politician John, and a very good one.
Until you ride the ECR northbound and southbound as well as the 260 westbound and eastbound and the 295 northbound and southbound and the 294 both ways for 6 months to one year straight, AND ride those routes 2 to 4 times a day, then you won't 'get it'.
Sometimes liars figure and figures lie. Right now, you drive and I use Sam Trans, so your POV is tilted.
The entire ReImagine crusade was fraudulent and management new all along what they wanted to do from the start. Lunches had in Redwood Shores near Falafels by Board of Directors, Steering committee members and Bus Operator reps (#490) was disengenuous. Minds were made up. Your comment 'those already riding' is reprehensible, irresponsible and unprofessional.
Mike, you must be confusing me with someone else. Otherwise you would not insult one of the most anti-car people I know (me) by calling him a driver. I rarely drive.
I have been a SamTrans rider since 1994, with the exception of two years I was in Humboldt County. I rode SamTrans daily most work days, until I got a new job in downtown San Francisco a few years back and switched to mostly bike and BART. I've ridden the ECR since it was the 5M, for many years between SSF and Redwood City. I know the pain of both 90 minute trips that should take 45 and the frustration of extended headways. I fought long and hard in the CAC for free transfers and better interconnection.
Frequency is key, and this arrangement improves it. I stand by my statement.
John - I bet you drive more than I do which is zero.
So imagine for a minute vs the Re-Imagine - made up word that ST came up with (similar to Andy Pettitt mis-remembering that he took PED's) - that you are part of a household where both parents work 9-5 and where there is kids who need public transportation to and from one of these schools, because the children live in Belmont or Redwood Shores (Serra * IHM * Carlmont* Tierra Linda * Ralston * CSUS-Belmont * Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Day Care Center).
So, you are telling me the powers to be 'did their homework' - where now - EVERY SINGLE Sam Trans Bus pole and or shelter - West of Continentals-Cipriani - is going to be cut down and removed, leaving zero service to the neighborhoods in and around Ralston Middle School - CSUS-Belmont, the neighborhoods in and around Hallmark, the neighborhoods in and around Polhemus and DeAnza - leading up Parrott Drive - to and including CSM. You are going to tell me that was brilliant planning that the 260 that leaves San Carlos Train Center, heading Westbound - will now END at Cipriani/Continentals.
Save your bitcoins – I have a bridge to sell you.
Mike, while we’re not eye-to-eye on this issue, I appreciate your advocacy here. Please consider joining the SamTrans CAC. There are several vacancies, you get a free pass, and have the opportunity to let the staff and board directly how their policies affect riders. I’ll be happy to serve as a reference.
John, I have been to the meetings on everything from A - Z that they hold on San Carlos Ave Corporate Office - since 2014. Real change does not happen the way you are saying it does, somewhere along the line somebody gave you the Kool Aide and you drank it. This latest design change hidden under the fancy heading of Reimagine Sam Trans was a done deal BEFORE all the people voted up to and including November 8th. Don't talk or listen to the admin people - listen to the rank and file. Example - when they vet out drivers’ times for them to get to A to Z they have a pencil pushing doofus use (are you sitting down) Google times and directions. Those don't even consider school hours - weather or obstacles caused by cities like BELMONT subbing any and all work out to privates - who don't care that they tie up Ralston ave from ECR to Polhemus for years 1- 4 and it happens when students go back to school.
I wrote this on Oct 16th
75% of Redwood Shores Public Transportation Services are being Done Away with by Sam Trans.
They want to shorten Route 260 Cipriani Boulevard and at Bridge Parkway in Redwood Shores. School-related service in Redwood Shores would remain.
Sam Trans is secretly and quietly returning their Shores Route 260 bus service to minimum service - meaning - any time there is no school in session (or a Saturday or Holiday) the 260 that comes down Marine World Parkway heading east will NO longer loop the entire shores, will no longer drive down Shearwater Parkway to Redwood Shores Parkway to the SC Train Center.
The 260 on 'those days' will turn left on Bridge - left on Marine Parkway - and then up Ralston to Cipriani - even though there are Saturday classes at CSM and also Seniors who use the San Mateo Athletic Club on Saturday's.
The 260 bus will no longer travel to CSM at any time.
They are being disingenuous (naturally) and not letting The Shores residents know until it is too late.
The farthest distance it’ll travel is in Belmont at Ralston Ave/Cipriani Blvd.
SamTrans says they will maintain the existing 60 and 67 Bus Routes for Ralston Middle School and Carlmont High School as is (see here:
https://www.reimaginesamtrans.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/260.pdf)
https://www.reimaginesamtrans.com/mid-county
https://www.reimaginesamtrans.com/
https://www.samtrans.com/about/boardofdirectors.html
Contact SamTrans at reimagine (800) 660-4287.
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Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
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