Ride Free On SamTrans' New Express Bus From Foster City To SF

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — To introduce its new express service between Foster City and San Francisco, SamTrans is offering free rides aboard Route FCX from Aug. 19 through Aug. 30.

The new SamTrans route, which begins Monday, Aug. 19, is funded by 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. This is the first of six planned express bus routes to be rolled out over the next five years, officials said.

Route FCX is intended to connect Foster City residents and San Francisco-based employees with an "easy, affordable option for commuters that will reduce and/or eliminate transfers required to complete their trip to and from work," SamTrans officials said.

“The launch of express bus service is an important step in addressing San Mateo County’s traffic congestion, particularly in Foster City which is essentially land-locked,” said Carole Groom, chair of the SamTrans board. “Route FCX creates a critical connection between two major employment and residential hubs that currently lack a convenient alternative to driving a car.”

Route FCX will operate five to six trips, in both directions, every weekday morning and evening at 30-minute intervals during peak commute hour­s, according to the agency. The route will use SamTrans’ upgraded fleet, which offers onboard wi-fi.

“Traffic management and mobility is one of Foster City’s top strategic focus areas. We want to create a sustainable multi-modal transportation network that will decrease traffic, delays and congestion,” said Foster City Mayor Sam Hindi. “FCX is a step in the right direction to achieve this. The new bus line will take more cars off the road and encourage public transportation.”

Route FCX also will expand SamTrans’ coverage area in San Francisco by adding stops in the Civic Center area in addition to serving the Financial District, according to managers. The route also connects to Muni, San Francisco Ferry, and BART along Market & Embarcadero, and AC Transit via the Salesforce Transit Center.

The new service launches as the board is set to vote on proposed fare changes (effective January 2020 upon approval) at its Aug. 7 meeting. Proposed fare changes include the introduction of a $4.50 adult single-ride Express Bus fare and the elimination of the agency’s “out-of-San Francisco” surcharge for local service routes, which will make understanding and paying fares aboard express bus routes simpler for riders, the agency said.

Route FCX fare and schedule information can be found online at www.SamTrans.com/FCX. Or for more information or assistance, call SamTrans Customer Service at 1.800.660.4287 (TTY 650.508.6448) or visit www.SamTrans.com.

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