SamTrans OKs Free Transfers, Reduced Fares

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA —The SamTrans board of directors this week voted to reduce some ride costs and to eliminate transfer fees, along with approving other efforts, including dropping metal tokens, intended to modernize and simplify the system.

The agency credited the decision to change the fare structure, previously known as the codified tariff, on the passage of Measure W, the countywide half-cent sales tax passed by San Mateo County voters in November 2018 - a measure designed to relieve traffic congestion and provide expanded mobility options for local residents.

The adult base fare will remain at $2.25, while the cost of the "local day pass" will drop by $1, going from $5.50 to $4.50, the organization said.

Eligible discount and youth one-way rides will remain at $1.10 and those local day passes will cost $2, in response to public comments at a July public hearing.

In addition, there will be no charge for transferring between local SamTrans routes when using Clipper or the SamTrans Mobile app, and there will no longer be a departure fare type for riders out of San Francisco.

SamTrans also will no longer sell metal tokens, replacing them with paper ones — a move the agency said will save approximately $250,000 a year. However, riders can still use metal tokens already purchased.

The agency also will eliminate change cards, group sales and the 50-ticket ride book, "as they are underutilized and can slow down the service," officials said.

A one-way express fare of $4.50 will be established for such newly redefined express services as Route FCX that will launch on August 19 in Foster City.

SamTrans will begin implementing these changes with full compliance expected sometime in 2020, the agency said.

• ALSO SEE: Ride Free On SamTrans' New Express Bus From Foster City To SF