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    1. Bus

    SamTrans increases service, enhances boarding procedures

    Aug. 11, 2020
    The agency will resume fare collection and front-door boarding with the installation of protective barriers.
    Related To: San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans)
    SamTrans
    SamTrans installs new operator barriers as the agency resumes fare collection.
    SamTrans installs new operator barriers as the agency resumes fare collection.

    SamTrans announces updates to its schedule and operations effective Aug. 16, as community needs and economic conditions continue to change from the COVID-19 pandemic.

    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.

    The new schedule restores more frequent service on 14 routes, including ECR, 120, 130 and 292 to accommodate increased ridership and allow for physical distancing onboard. The service plan also adjusts routes primarily serving schools in response to their plans for distance learning. SamTrans says it will continue coordinating with schools to determine potential future restoration of school-day only service for high-need populations when students resume in-person learning. Updated timetables are available online. These changes are anticipated to be the first in a series of service updates as the agency continues to adapt in response to COVID-19.

    “The drive behind this new schedule is to help support the Bay Area’s economic recovery,” said SamTrans General Manager Jim Hartnett. “In addition to expanding access to essential jobs and services for those who need it most, the service plan allows us to prepare for and respond to further shifts in ridership.”

    SamTrans says it will continue to have extra vehicles available to provide relief, when possible, for physical distancing. Ridership is monitored closely to inform any future service changes and allow for physical distancing onboard.

    With the resumption of fare payment and front-door boarding, customers are encouraged to use contactless payment methods like Clipper or the SamTrans Mobile app. Exact fare is required for cash payment as change cards are no longer issued onboard.

    SamTrans says it continues to maintain enhanced daily onboard cleaning and sanitation protocols using hospital-grade disinfectants in compliance with public health guidelines.

    While passenger counts have moderately increased since June, more than 60 percent of ridership has yet to return since COVID-19 containment efforts began. Even as much-needed fare collection safely resumes, the bulk of SamTrans’ operating budget comes from local sales tax. The agency says it anticipates a significant decline in that revenue stream through the coming months.