Candace BarnetteThe San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans) is creating a roadmap for the future through a four-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and a 10-year Capital Program that will guide the transit agency’s future improvements to rider experience, asset management and zero-emission goals.
The four-year plan begins in fiscal year (FY) 2026 and concludes in FY 2029. It outlines capital projects totaling $479 million, funded through external sources and district funds. The plan includes strategies to leverage the district’s $203.5 million in available balances to attract additional funding through competitive grants and debt financing.
These funds will support near-term and long-term capital projects across both planning documents. The four-year plan recommends funding for the following project categories:
- Transitioning to Zero-Emission fleet ($319 million).
- Maintaining State of Good Repair ($72 million).
- Investing in the Organization ($37 million).
- Improving Customer Experience ($35 million).
- Enhancing Service ($13 million).
- Striving for Innovation ($3 million).
The 10-year program outlines capital needs that total nearly $2 billion for fiscal years 2026-35. This longer-term planning document aligns with SamTrans’ strategic plan–Moving San Mateo County–which was adopted in November 2024.
While neither document commits specific funding to projects, they provide a framework designed to guide future capital budget decisions. SamTrans will review and update the plan every two years to align with its budget cycle and address evolving priorities and financial conditions.
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