California's 'Reimagine SamTrans' Moves into Next Phase

San Carlos, California’s SamTrans expects ridership rates to surpass pre-pandemic levels in the coming months as it enters the fourth and final phase of its Reimagine SamTrans initiative.

Data from May 2024 show fixed route ridership hit 98.2% of May 2019 levels, well above regional and national recovery trends.

"We are thrilled to launch the final phase of Reimagine SamTrans, culminating two years of dedicated efforts to revitalize our transit system,” said SamTrans GM/CEO April Chan. “And, by all measures, it’s working as intended.”

Reimagining SamTrans

The latest Reimagine changes will go into effect on August 4, introducing two new routes, returning one route, and bringing enhanced service frequency and hours to several others.

The initiative was developed during the early days of the pandemic to adapt the transit network to better meet the evolving needs of the community.

Implementation began in summer 2022 after more than two years of data gathering, analysis, and robust public engagement. It has been rolled out in multiple phases, each focusing on specific improvements to routes, schedules, and services.

Highlights of the Initiative

Highlights of Phase Four include:

• Enhanced Service Frequency
• New Weekend Service.
• New Routes.
• Returned Route with New Routing.
• Direct Service to Salesforce Transit Center.

From phase one through phase four, Reimagine SamTrans has boosted in-service hours by 12%, increased bus operator workforce by 15%, increased the frequency of service on 15 routes, added an on-demand service (Ride Plus) in two areas, and brought bus service to new destinations, at more times, on more days of the week.

“We’re excited to see the continued growth we expect to come from these latest changes,” said Chan. “Although Reimagine SamTrans is entering its final phase, this does not mark the end of the road for our improvements. Reimagine gave us a winning recipe for success that we plan to use moving forward."

The successful implementation of the Reimagine SamTrans initiative has been a collaborative effort, involving extensive input from riders, community stakeholders, and transit experts.

The agency looks forward to continuing this partnership as it strives to maintain and build upon the progress achieved.