Regional Transit Connections (RTC)
The purpose of the Regional Transit Connections Program (RTC) is to fund transit improvements that connect San Mateo County with Alameda County, San Francisco County, and Santa Clara County. This includes services provided by transit agencies such as AC Transit, BART, Caltrain, SamTrans, SFMTA, VTA, and WETA.
As defined by the 2018 Congestion Relief Plan, Measure W provides the RTC Program with a 10 percent share of the sales tax revenue collected. The SMCTA Strategic Plan 2025-2029 projected that Measure W will generate approximately $12 million per year in available funding for this program.
Success for the RTC Program looks like meaningfully improved connectivity, reliability, equity, and accessibility between transit systems in San Mateo County. SMCTA provides funding to projects that are included in the RTC Capital Improvement Plan and adhere to the defined program guidelines and policies that were adopted in October 2024.
What is Regional Transit?
Regional transit includes trains, express buses, and ferries that connect San Mateo County with Alameda County, San Francisco County, and Santa Clara County. This includes services provided by agencies like AC Transit, BART, Caltrain, SamTrans, SFMTA, VTA, and WETA.
BART Next Generation Fare Gates (Constructed)
BART Stations in San Mateo County—Millbrae, San Bruno, South San Francisco, Colma, and Daly City—are currently equipped with aging, fin-style fare gates, some of which have been in operation since the system opened in 1972. The existing fare gates have reached the end of their useful life and have proven to be ineffective in protecting the system against fare evasion.The BART Next Generation Fare Gates project includes replacinge legacy fare gates at San Mateo County stations with advanced, tamper-resistant models that feature full-height barriers, improved detection sensors, and accessible designs compliant with ADA standards. The proposed improvements will reduce fare evasion, improve station security, and enhance the overall rider experience.
SamTrans Dumbarton West Connector (In Planning Phase)
The project proposes to develop a dedicated busway along the corridor, complemented by enhanced bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure that improves first- and last-mile connectivity. These improvements will directly link disadvantaged neighborhoods to key regional transit services and improve the permeability of the corridor by adding new crossings and enhancing the safety of existing crossings. The project does not preclude future rail and could be repurposed if future regional rail service becomes attainable.
Caltrain Redwood City Four-Track Hub Station and Grade Separations (In Environmental Phase)
The project includes a 4-track mid-Peninsula transfer hub to support faster passing trains to overtake slower trains and to facilitate transfers between local and express trains. The project includes an expanded transit station at Redwood City to accommodate an increase in rail serviceIn addition to the four-track hub transfer station, the Project includes a redesigned bus station and six grade separations in Redwood City. These separations enhance corridor safety and reduce delays for crossing traffic as train volumes increase. They cater to all travel modes at Whipple Avenue, Brewster Avenue, Broadway, Main Street, and Chestnut Street. Maple Street will be closed to vehicles, serving only pedestrians and bicyclists.
Regional Transit Connections Plan
SMCTA adopted the Regional Transit Connections Plan on October 10, 2024, which provides guidance for implementing the RTC Program. The plan identifies policies that will guide the implementation of the program through planning, operating, and capital recommendations based on the ability of projects to improve regional access for San Mateo County residents, workers, and visitors. The plan includes a Capital Improvement Program with a list of projects that may be eligible for program funding as well as a program framework that includes program guidelines, policies, and an outline of future Call for Projects cycles. The Strategic Plan 2025-2029 also provides a further breakdown of the evaluation criteria.
Call for Projects Awards
This section will be updated as program funding is awarded. Please visit this page for more information on the RTC Program Call for Projects process.
- 2025 RTC Call for Projects Awards & Descriptions