SamTrans Reduces Service in Response to Pandemic, Face Coverings Now Required Onboard

South San Francisco, CA   April 20, 2020 Press Release

In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, SamTrans will be implementing a modified schedule beginning Sunday, April 26, with service reductions on 31 routes. Riders and bus operators will also be required to wear face coverings onboard to comply with a San Mateo County Public Health Order issued on Friday, April 17.

This service change reflects SamTrans’ significantly reduced ridership since the shelter-in-place order took effect in March, with a drop of 65-70% across most routes. The adjustments will preserve the operation of service levels that allow residents to conduct essential travel.

In order to maintain social distancing, SamTrans will be monitoring ridership levels route-by-route, and will make adjustments as needed.

Most SamTrans routes will be operating on their Saturday schedules during the weekday. Routes 118, 274, 275 and 276 have seen such large dips in ridership that they will be removed from operation. Routes 270, 397, and 398 will operate as normal as they have not seen significant decreases.

Route ECR, the most popular route in the system, will run buses every 20 minutes on weekdays.  The ECR will not have any changes to Saturday or Sunday service. Route FCX will only offer two trips from **Foster City to San Francisco in the morning and from San Francisco to Foster City in the evening.** Route SFO will have a 60 minute frequency, rather than the usual 30 minutes.

SamTrans riders can see route-by-route information at www.samtrans.com/timetableupdates.

These changes are the latest in a number of adjustments to SamTrans operations since the shelter-in-place orders were issued. To enhance social distancing, riders are now boarding from the rear-door and fare collection has been suspended. Social distancing measures have also been implemented at the bases, and the maintenance department has increased the level of cleaning and sanitizing on buses.

SamTrans is also supporting critical health messaging by distributing brochures onboard all buses with information from the CDC about how to minimize risk of exposure.

Safety is our top priority and we urge everyone to take preventative measures to reduce the spread of illnesses:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after riding public transit. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Avoid eating while onboard.
  • Do not cough into your hands. Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow.
  • Stay home if you are sick.

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** Edit update 3:06 4/20/2020

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