The Peninsula Shuttle Program Optimization and Funding Strategy (Strategy) is a collaborative effort to develop a sustainable future for public shuttle services across San Mateo County. Led by the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (SMCTA) in partnership with the City/County Association of Governments (C/CAG), Commute.org, SamTrans, and participating local jurisdictions, the Strategy will guide how the Peninsula Shuttle Program will evolve to better serve the county.
Project Overview
The Peninsula Shuttle Program provides first- and last-mile connections between Caltrain stations, jobs, and key destinations throughout San Mateo County. In response to changing travel patterns, rising operating costs, and funding constraints, SMCTA and its partners are developing the Strategy to evaluate how the program can be more effective and financially sustainable over the long term.
The Strategy will assess existing shuttle routes and service performance, evaluate current and future funding availability, and identify opportunities to optimize routes, service levels, and funding responsibilities.
The program is funded by the San Mateo County Transportation Authority’s Measure A tax funds and the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County’s Congestion Relief Program, with required local match contributions from participating cities, agencies, or business consortiums. The Peninsula Shuttle Program is administered by Commute.org, SamTrans and local jurisdictions.
Through a data-driven approach, the Strategy will help align shuttle services with post-pandemic travel, including hybrid work patterns and the growth of other mobility options, while supporting coordinated, sustainable recommendations for the future of the program.
Project Team
- SMCTA (Implementing Agency)
- Working Group Partners: C/CAG, Commute.org, SamTrans
- Stakeholder Group: Local jurisdictions
Project Goals
- Evaluate performance of existing routes on the current shuttles program
- Develop and prioritize goals for the shuttle program
- Evaluate future funding available for the program against identified needs
- Align funding commitments with future operations and operating contract requirements
- Build consensus among stakeholders to develop an implementable strategy
- Serve as the Shuttle Program Call for Projects to identify routes that will be funded in the next SamTrans Master Shuttle Contract (Fiscal Years 2028-2033)
Project Timeline
- Winter 2025/2026: Assess existing conditions; develop program vision and goals
- Spring 2026: Identify program needs; conduct financial analysis and scenarios
- Summer 2026: Create draft and final Peninsula Shuttle Program Optimization and Funding Strategy
Documents
For more information or questions, please email info@smcta.com