Commute.org proposes new shuttle route to increase ridership and secure corporate funding

The City Council of San Mateo convened on June 16, 2025, to discuss various agenda items, including updates on local shuttle services and funding strategies.

One significant topic was the current status of the shuttle service, which is partially funded through grants. It was noted that 75% of the funding comes from grants, while the city is responsible for the remaining 25%. Council members expressed interest in understanding the current ridership statistics and the long-term funding plan for the city’s portion.

A representative from Commute.org provided insights into the shuttle's ridership, indicating that it has decreased compared to previous years. In response to this decline, a new shuttle route has been proposed, which would service Hayward Park Station and Hillsdale Caltrain Station, while omitting certain areas like El Camino Real and Alameda De La Pulgas. This new route aims to attract corporate sponsorships, with Sony being a potential contributor. A grant application for this revised route is currently under review.

The council discussed the financial implications of the new route, noting that without these changes, the city's costs could have doubled due to rising labor expenses. The 25% funding match from the city is seen as a requirement that could potentially decrease if additional corporate sponsors join in covering costs.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the city's proactive approach to addressing shuttle service challenges and exploring new funding avenues to ensure continued operation and support for public transportation in San Mateo. Further updates on the grant application and ridership statistics are anticipated in future meetings.