SamTrans Seeks Rider and Community Feedback on Proposed Changes

Less Of What Doesn't

Other parts of the system would be modified under the new proposal in an effort to better match the service with market demand. Limiting KX and Route 291 service into San Francisco to peak hours only and eliminating San Francisco service on the 391 is being proposed because commute habits have changed. 

Fewer people commute into San Francisco. Eliminating the off-peak service would allow the Transit District to invest those dollars in providing better service in San Mateo County in a manner that could attract more riders..

Routing changes and schedule adjustments are proposed to improve frequency and increase the schedule reliability in an effort to build ridership in these areas. For a comprehensive list of route modifications visit: www.samtrans.com/ssp.

A small number of routes would be proposed for elimination. The study identifies these routes based on extremely low ridership, opportunities elsewhere to better spend limited funds and the availability of alternative transit options in the areas in which these routes operate. They include routes: 118, 123, 132, 280 and 359.

Trying Something New

While most of the travel demand is for services operating north-south through San Mateo County, there are areas of significant population and employment growth that offer opportunities for connecting services that are outside the normal bus service. New routes are being proposed for the Burlingame/San Mateo area and Redwood City.

"There are some areas where traditional bus service just doesn't work," said Hughes. "But the demand for transit service still exists." 

To meet this demand, the study proposes to launch pilot projects using an alternative "demand-response" style service. San Carlos and Pacifica are being proposed as testing grounds for this service model based on the limited amount of transit serving those communities and each city's unique transit needs.

Public Outreach

The proposal is available for review online at www.samtrans.com/ssp. SamTrans staff will be meeting with the public, riders, businesses and other interests affected by bus service, city councils and community organizations throughout the county to seek feedback and recommendations based on the proposal.

As public outreach opportunities are scheduled, they will be posted to the SamTrans website. Any group interested in receiving a presentation should contact ssp@samtrans.com to make arrangements. Comments on the draft proposal can be made in person at a public meeting, by e-mail or sent by letter to Planning and Development, ATTN: SSP, 1250 San Carlos Ave., San Carlos, CA 94070.

Once staff has completed the community outreach process, all of the comments will be considered and a final draft proposal will be submitted to the SamTrans Board of Directors for review in late 2012 or early 2013. Any service changes resulting from the SSP would be scheduled to take effect in mid-2013.