Public Transportation

Transit Service

The San Mateo County Transit District manages a range of public transit services including SamTrans bus service, Caltrain rail service and paratransit service for individuals who cannot use fixed-route transit.

SamTrans | Caltrain | BART | Muni | VTA

SamTrans

SamTrans provides fixed-route bus service throughout San Mateo County and into parts of San Francisco and Palo Alto. All SamTrans buses are equipped with lifts or ramps that can be used by people who use mobility devices or cannot climb steps. Each bus also has a kneeling feature that lowers the front end so the first step is easier to reach. All SamTrans buses are equipped with an automated system that makes amplified announcements of major transfer points, intersections and destinations. An electronic message board inside the bus simultaneously displays the same information. External loudspeakers announce the route number and destination of the bus at all bus stops.

Free travel training is available for people with disabilities who want to learn to ride SamTrans buses or Caltrain. For more information about travel training, call 650-508-6202.

For more information about SamTrans service, call 1-800-660-4287 (TTY 650-508-6448) or visit www.samtrans.com.

Caltrain

Caltrain operates commuter rail service on the Bay Area Peninsula between San Jose and San Francisco, with commute-hour service to Gilroy. Caltrain has 12 stations in San Mateo County, connecting with BART at the Millbrae Intermodal Station.

Every train has at least one wheelchair accessible car that can accommodate up to two wheelchairs. Caltrain stations that are not currently wheelchair accessible are 22nd Street, South San Francisco, Broadway, Atherton, California Avenue and College Park.

For more information on Caltrain service, call 1-800-660-4287 (TTY 650-508-6448), or visit www.caltrain.com.

BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)

BART is a regional rail service with six BART stations in northern San Mateo County (Daly City, Colma, South San Francisco, San Bruno, San Francisco Airport and Millbrae). The entire BART system consists of five lines with 43 stations in San Mateo, San Francisco, Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

BART has many features to make it easy for seniors and persons with disabilities to use it. There is disabled parking at all stations with parking lots. All BART stations have escalators and elevators to the platforms. From the platform, there is level boarding to the trains. All BART cars have space for wheelchairs. Station Agents are available at all times in each station to help seniors and persons with disabilities.

For more information on BART service or ticket vendors call 650-992-2278 (TTY 510-839-2220) or visit www.bart.gov.

San Francisco Municipal Railway (Muni)

Muni provides public transportation in San Francisco and connects with SamTrans, Caltrain and BART. Muni buses are fully accessible on all lines except the 41-Union which only runs during peak periods. Muni Metro Light Rail services are accessible at all stations and at key stops on the surface portion of the Metro lines.

For a brochure or more information on Muni’s Accessible Services please call the Muni Accessible Services Program at 415-701-4485 (TTY 415-701-4730).

For more information on Muni service call 415-701-2311 (TTY 415-701-2323) or visit www.sfmta.com.

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA)

VTA provides public transit in Santa Clara County and connects with SamTrans in Palo Alto. All buses are equipped with lifts or ramps to make boarding easier for persons who use mobility devices or for anyone who may have difficulty negotiating steps. VTA now requires that all mobility devices be secured upon VTA buses. Light rail stations also provide level boarding, meaning that there are no steps required to get on board, or offer ramps for boarding assistance.

For more information on VTA service call 408-321-2300 (TTY 408-321-2330) or visit www.vta.org.

For individuals who are unable to use VTA’s bus or light rail services due to their disabilities, paratransit is provided as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Information about VTA’s ADA paratransit can be obtained by calling Outreach at 408-436-2865 (TTY 408-436-0155).

Reduced Fares

RTC Discount ID Card

The Regional Transit Connection (RTC) Discount ID Card allows passengers with disabilities to ride at a discounted fare on Bay Area transit systems, including SamTrans, Caltrain, BART and Muni. The RTC Discount Card is available to qualified persons with disabilities and senior citizens. New RTC Discount Cards are issued as "Clipper Cards" that can be used to pay your fare on most Bay Area transit systems. For more information or to request an application call SamTrans at 1-800-660-4287 (TTY 650-508-6448) or visit transit.511.org/disabled/RTDC.asp.

Discounts on Public Transit

Seniors (age 65 and older) and persons with disabilities who possess a Regional Transit Connection Discount ID Card, Medicare Card or Department of Motor Vehicles Disabled Placard Identification Card are eligible for discounted fares on SamTrans, Caltrain and all other Bay Area public transit systems. For SamTrans, they also may purchase a Senior/Disabled Pass, which is sold through the mail and at 80 sales outlets throughout SamTrans' service area. Valid photo ID must be presented at the fare box upon request.

Mobility Ambassadors

Mobility Ambassadors are volunteers who help older adults and people with disabilities become familiar with their transportation options. Ambassadors are based at host senior centers throughout the County. Current host centers include:

• Doelger Senior Center, Daly City
• Twin Pines Senior and Community Center, Belmont
• Foster City Senior Wing, Foster City
• Little House, Menlo Park
• Menlo Park Senior Center, Menlo Park
• Fair Oaks Adult Activity Center, Redwood City
• Veterans Memorial Senior Center, Redwood City
• San Carlos Adult Community Center, San Carlos
• Martin Luther King Senior Center, San Mateo
• San Mateo Senior Center, San Mateo

A Mobility Ambassador can help you with many transportation-related issues, including planning a trip using public transit, finding a driver safety class, and learning about alternatives to driving, such as community shuttles. Ambassadors can also give educational presentations, conduct group and one-on-one rider training, and organize group trips on transit to interesting destinations.
To learn more about the Mobility Ambassador Program, to schedule an appointment with an Ambassador, or to volunteer, contact Jean Conger at 650-508-6362, or email us at Ambassador@samtrans.com.

ADA Paratransit

If you are unable to use SamTrans regular bus service some or all of the time due to a disability, you may be eligible for Americans with Disabilities Act paratransit. Paratransit buses, vans and sedans serve most of the county and will come to your home and take you to your destination. Trips can be reserved up to seven days in advance and as late as one day in advance. The paratransit service is called Redi-Wheels on the bayside of the county and RediCoast on the coastside. Before you can use ADA paratransit, SamTrans will need to evaluate your eligibility; this process may take up to 21 days.

For more information on ADA paratransit service in San Mateo County call Redi-Wheels and RediCoast at 650-508-6241 or visit www.samtrans.com. You can also call 1-800-660-4287 for general information on transit and ADA paratransit services.