SamTrans will hold a series of public meetings over the next two months to gather comments and discuss a study that will consider the possibility of Bus Rapid Transit service on El Camino Real.
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is an enhanced bus service that typically offers faster speeds, shorter travel times and improved customer amenities.
Generally, BRT can be implemented in two ways based on level of investment: Rapid and full BRT. Rapid bus service is mixed in with regular automobile traffic, but it travels farther between stops than local routes and features enhanced stations and skip-service.
Full BRT incorporates dedicated bus lanes and higher degrees of station enhancements. It requires a more significant capital investment than rapid service.
SamTrans is conducting an in-depth study of the potential options for BRT service along El Camino Real from Daly City to the Palo Alto Transit Center. The purpose of the study is to develop a phasing plan that will identify how existing bus operations in the corridor may be enhanced to incorporate Rapid- and BRT-type amenities over time, reflecting population and employment densities and ridership demand.
A major goal of the study is to identify enhancements in the short-term and long-term that could improve the passenger experience for existing riders and attract new riders. Other goals of the study include promoting livability and commercial viability while maintaining cost effective operations and minimizing traffic and parking impacts.
The study will also assess long-term improvements, such as the feasibility of dedicated bus lanes and enhanced stations with added passenger amenities. SamTrans will then develop short- and long-term plans for implementing these changes.
SamTrans staff will be providing an information presentation on the study at local council meetings. Public workshops are also being offered. The schedule includes:
City Council Meetings
Monday, November 4, 7:00 p.m.
San Mateo City Council
San Mateo City Hall, Council Chamber
330 West 20th Ave., San Mateo
Tuesday, November 12, 7:30 p.m.
Belmont City Council
Belmont City Hall, Council Chambers
One Twin Pines Lane, Belmont
Wednesday, November 13, 7:00 p.m.
South San Francisco City Council
SSF Municipal Services Building, Council Chambers
33 Arroyo Drive, South San Francisco
Wednesday, November 20, 7:00 p.m.
Atherton City Council
Town Council Chambers
94 Ashfield Road, Atherton
Wednesday, December 11, 7:30 p.m.
Colma City Council
Colma Community Center
1520 Hillside Boulevard, Colma
Public Workshops
Wednesday, November 13, 6:00 p.m.
SamTrans Administrative Office
2nd Floor Auditorium
1250 San Carlos Ave., San Carlos
Thursday, November 14, 6:00 p.m.
South San Francisco Municipal Services Building
Council Chambers
33 Arroyo Dr., South San Francisco
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Additional information on SamTrans’ BRT phasing study can be found here: http://www.samtrans.com/BRT.
If you would like to attend either public workshop, please RSVP to Brent Tietjen, SamTrans Public Affairs Specialist, via email at tietjenb@samtrans.com or through Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/545609628842634/ for the November 13th workshop, or https://www.facebook.com/events/212040588977555/ for the November 14th workshop.
About SamTrans: Funded in part by a half-cent sales tax, the San Mateo County Transit District also provides administrative support for Caltrain and the San Mateo County Transportation Authority. SamTrans has provided bus service to San Mateo County customers since 1976.
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