Transportation
Transportation Planning
The Public Works Transportation Planning team strives to provide safe, convenient, and affordable transportation options for accessing places and opportunities in San Mateo. Our work encompasses all modes of transportation including personal and commercial vehicles, transit, bicycles, pedestrians as well as electric bikes and electric scooters.
Our most recent plans, projects, and policies include:
Resources
Bicycling
Explore resources to help you find bike routes in San Mateo, learn how to bring your bicycle on public transit, and locate free bicycle repair stations throughout the city.
View San Mateo bicycle routes, transit resources, and bicycle repair station locations.
Public Transit
Try Transit
New to transit? Get started on your journey with a free pre-loaded $25 Clipper Card. Enjoy it on BART, Caltrain, SF Bay Ferry, and more.
Learn about Try Transit eligibility and requirements.
Free Shuttle
Commute.org's Hillsdale Caltrain Commuter (HCC) Shuttle provides free transportation between the Hillsdale Caltrain Station and nearby business areas in the City of San Mateo.
The shuttle operates on weekdays and is scheduled to meet Caltrain arrivals and departures.
Shuttle Features
- Wheelchair accessible.
- Equipped with bike racks.
Real-Time Service Alerts
Text HCCALERTS to (833) 426-6688 to receive real-time shuttle updates.
Additional Shuttle Routes
Commute.org also operates several free shuttle routes throughout San Mateo County, connecting transit stations, workplaces, and local communities. View Commute.org's free shuttle routes and schedules.
Biking
Earn up to $100 per year for biking to work. Receive a $25 e-gift card for every 10 days you record a bike commute in CommuteStar.
Learn about the CommuteStar Bike Rewards Program, eligibility requirements, and how to participate.
Carpool/Vanpool
Earn up to $100 per year for carpooling or vanpooling to work.
Use the CommuteStar Rideshare Matching Tool to find a carpool or vanpool partner.
If you participate in a vanpool through Commute with Enterprise, you may be eligible for the following incentives:
- Up to $500 per month through the San Mateo County Vanpool Subsidy Program.
- An additional up to $600 per month from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) Vanpool Incentive Program.
Resources
- Find a carpool or vanpool partner using the CommuteStar Rideshare Matching Tool.
- Learn about the San Mateo County Vanpool Subsidy Program.
- Learn about the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) Vanpool Incentive Program.
Guaranteed Ride Home
The Guaranteed Ride Home Program helps you get home if an unexpected situation occurs during your workday.
If you work in San Mateo County and commute using a sustainable transportation option, you may be eligible for up to four free emergency rides home each year.
Learn about the Guaranteed Ride Home Program, eligibility requirements, and how to apply.
Get Around! Senior Rides Program
The Get Around! Senior Rides Program, offered by the City of San Mateo Parks and Recreation Department, provides safe, affordable transportation for eligible older adults who live in San Mateo.
As a program participant, you can schedule rides in advance or request on-demand rides 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Learn about the Get Around! Senior Rides Program, eligibility requirements, and how to apply.
Parking Information
Find information about downtown parking permits, residential parking permits, City-owned parking facilities, and other parking resources.
Receive Updates on Transportation Projects
Sign up to receive City e-newsletters to stay informed about transportation planning projects, notices and community meetings.
Have Questions?
For questions about parking in San Mateo, use the My San Mateo Online Service Request Portal.
Planning Documents
- Transit-Oriented Development Pedestrian Access Plan (2022)
- Bicycle Master Plan (2020)
- Pedestrian Master Plan (2012)
- Transportation Impact Analysis Guidelines (2020)
- General Plan Circulation Element
- Hillsdale Station Integration Plan (2012)
San Mateo Rail Corridor Transportation Management Association (TMA)
Annual vehicle trip monitoring reports are available for 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 and 2015.