SamTrans Extends Free 'Ride Plus' Service Through Year's End

EAST PALO ALTO, CA — SamTrans is extending free trips on its Ride Plus on-demand transportation service through the new year, citing steady growth in ridership since the program kicked off in mid-June.

"We're very pleased with how popular Ride Plus has become in such a short period of time," said April Chan, the Sam Trans CEO and general manager. "Extending our free-ride period will give en more people time to ample the convenience of this important addition to our transportation network."

Ride Plus is a "microtransit" service that allows people to book vans for short trips in East Palo Alto, Half Moon Bay, and the Belle Haven neighborhood of Menlo Park. In a news release Tuesday, officials said the service was approaching nearly 3,000 trips per month.

"I'm so thankful to the team behind Ride Plus, it's a much-needed service here in East Palo Alto," Rebecca Lee, a frequent passenger, said in a statement. "The drivers are incredibly friendly and helpful, and I'm thrilled to hear that the free promotion will continue through December."

Starting on New Year's Day, adult one-way fares will cost riders $2.25 in cash or $2.05 through the Clipper card. Youth and discount fares will cost $1.10 in cash and $1 on Clipper cards. All fares are fixed regardless of distance, but trips must begin and end within each service area. However, passengers can transfer to connection SamTrans routes that serve the rest of San Mateo County and parts of Palo Alto and San Francisco.

Rides can be booked via the app or by calling (650) 238-5880.

>> Learn more about booking Ride Plus trips on the SamTrans website.