12/6/24: The Bay Area has new transit maps and station wayfinding. Check them out this Thursday
We’re taking a field trip this Thursday to check out the Bay Area’s new transit signs and maps! In the meantime, please speak up today to fund transit and help us write blog posts on regional transit coordination.
TODAY: Give public comment to save transit!
Today, our elected officials are voting to send a proposal to the state legislature for a 2026 transit funding measure. This is a crucial step in defining the Bay Area’s vision for transit. We need everyone to speak up and urge legislators to support transformational change.
For context, right now the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) is considering two proposals to send to the state legislature. Commissioners are leaning towards a smaller, 10-year measure that just barely keeps transit afloat. This is a problem because voters don't want to pay more to get the same or worse service - they want transformational change.
In order for a measure to succeed at the ballot, we need to advance a proposal which envisions a faster, more frequent transit network and pairs new funds with reforms to coordinate schedules, integrate fares, improve ridership, etc. The other proposal would raise $1.3-1.5 billion annually - enough money to achieve dramatically better outcomes.
So please give public comment today telling MTC Commissioners that transit riders deserve a regional transit funding measure that will deliver transformational change, not just keeping the status quo.
December 12th, 3:30-8:30pm – Debut of the Bay Area’s new transit maps + grab food/drinks with us after!
Join us for an on-site tour of the Bay Area's new transit signage and for a social event at the El Cerrito del Norte BART Station. Beginning at 3:30pm on Thursday, Dec 12th, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and transit agencies will be hosting a press conference and guided tour where they want you to provide your feedback.
The “mapping and wayfinding” project is intended to create unified and easier-to-use directions to help navigate where you are going, especially at complex stations like El Cerrito del Norte which is served by 5 different transit agencies.
Whether you are able to make it to the on-site tour or not, at 5:30pm we'll meet at Los Moles Beer Garden (6120 Potrero Avenue) to chat, get a bite, and have a few drinks. Open to all!
Help us raise $15k and get some awesome new merch!
With all eyes on D.C., this has been a challenging financial year for local advocates, and Seamless Bay Area is no exception. If you are able to help, please consider making a donation to fuel our critical advocacy work.
Making a donation during our Winter Campaign will get you some awesome new merch.
Donate $30 and get a sticker sheet, featuring unique designs by Ambletown, for each of the 27 Bay Area transit agencies.
Donate $120 or more and get a 32 oz water bottle with space to add all 27 transit agency stickers. This stainless steel bottle is the perfect way to support transit advocacy and have fun while doing so!
Volunteer Opportunities
Help write blog posts on 3 different topics
North Bay Transit Coordination: 6 transit agencies are working to coordinate their services to align transfers, better connect local bus service to SMART rail, and create better connections into San Francisco
Regional Transit Coordination Efforts Across the US: Transit agencies in Chicago and the DC-Maryland-Virginia areas are working towards fare integration, better project delivery, and revenue sources to prevent service cuts and expand frequencies.
SJSU Mineta Institute Study on Governance Structures for Successful Regional Transit Coordination
New from our blog
SF Bay Ferry to take over Treasure Island ferry service by 2026
In a sign of good news for Bay Area transit integration, SF Bay Ferry will take over service between Treasure Island and downtown San Francisco in 2026. This change will make coordinating schedules, integrating fares between transit agencies, and improving the customer experience easier to achieve. This ferry service will only become more important as Treasure Island is one of the biggest potential population growth centers in the Bay Area with the redevelopment project aiming to build 8,000 new homes for 20,000 new residents by the 2040s.
Medicare transit discount benefits now available with credit/debit payment - but not yet in Bay Area
On November 26, the California Integrated Travel Project announced that low-income Californians who qualify for Medicare can get access to transit discounts when they pay with a credit or debit card. This coming spring, the Bay Area plans to roll out its credit/debit card payment feature. However, when it is first made available, Bay Area residents will not yet be able to access the discounts to which they are entitled when they pay with a credit or debit card.
Seamless and allies support strengthening MTC Transit Priority Policy
The Bay Area is developing a transit priority policy with MTC proposing to have a draft policy by Winter of 2024 and to have a policy approved before the Summer of 2025. Seamless and allies including sent a letter in support of transit priority with recommendations for policy to be clarified and strengthened and to have a more robust process to refine and adopt it.