Assistance Programs

Programs that assist commuters in San Mateo County who meet income eligibility requirements or have mobility needs.

See the Assistance Programs Flyer for a quick overview of available programs and resources.

Caltrain Pass Forward Program 

Commute.org is continuing to partner with Caltrain on its Pass Forward Program for 2026, which gives us an allocation of free GoPasses to distribute to eligible recipients. Commute.org has been a partner of this program since it was launched as a pilot in 2021. 

Commute.org will be distributing its allocation of passes directly as well as in partnership with community-based organizations that serve essential workers and residents that meet the program requirements:

  1. Household income less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), using 2024 data from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
  2. Work or live in San Mateo County
  3. Use the card to get to work, job training, or job searching
  4. Use the pass at least twice a week

Please note that students, employees at educational institutions, and retirees are NOT eligible for this program. Also note that there GoPasses are limited to two per household.

To apply, please complete BOTH the Commute.org form AND the Caltrain survey.

For active members in the program, please see below for helpful links using your GoPass. 

Flyer for a free Caltrain pass program with blue and yellow design. Lists eligibility criteria, income limits, and how to apply. Includes Commute.org and Caltrain logos, contact info, QR code, and a photo of a Caltrain train.

Go Card Program

The Go Card Program is sponsored and funded by the San Mateo County US 101 Express Lanes. The program helps qualifying San Mateo County residents cover some of their transportation costs.

Participants can receive a $200 mobility debit card as an annual benefit to spend on qualifying transportation purchases. The card can be used to cover costs related to public transit, express lanes, toll bridges, and more.

Go here for more information and to review benefits: https://101expresslanes.org/program/equity-program

A white debit card featuring “GO CARD San Mateo County” in blue on the left and the Mastercard logo with "debit" on the right, set against a dark blue background. Ideal for Transportation Assistance Programs for San Mateo County Commuters.

Clipper Discount Programs 

Use Clipper card as a convenient payment option for a variety of transit agencies. Clipper offers several discount programs: 

  • Clipper START (50% discount for low-income riders) 
  • Youth & Senior discounts 
  • RTC Clipper card for riders with qualifying disabilities 
The image showcases the Clipper START logo with three blue triangular shapes, resembling play buttons pointing right, above bold blue lettering. This emblem represents a gateway to support services through various assistance programs designed to aid those in need.

Peninsula Clean Energy “E-Bikes for Everyone” Program 

Peninsula Clean Energy has launched the “E-Bikes for Everyone” program, for a discount of up to $1000 off the purchase of a new electric bicycle (e-bike) to qualified San Mateo County residents in a broader effort to raise awareness and adoption of this healthier, cleaner, and affordable transportation option.

Starting in May 2025, the PCE E-Bike rebate program will be opened year-round. See this page for updates and more information: https://www.peninsulacleanenergy.com/ebikes/

 

Logo of Peninsula Clean Energy featuring a green lightbulb shape with a blue checkmark inside, next to the text "PENINSULA" in green and "CLEAN ENERGY" in blue.

California E-Bike Rebate  

In 2021, California passed AB117 which allocates $10 million to incentivize e-bike purchases for California residents. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) developed guidelines on eligibility, size of the grants, and the equitable distribution of funds. The first application window opened on December 18, 2024, awarding 1500 vouchers ($3 million total). The incentive vouchers cover up to $2,000 toward eligible e-bikes, bike accessories, taxes, and fees. The next application window is expected to open early 2025. For more information, visit: https://ebikeincentives.org/

Bikeshare for All

Bay Wheels is proud to offer reduced-rate memberships to Bay Area residents who qualify for CalFresh, SFMTA Lifeline Pass, or PG&E CARE. The first year is $5, and then it’s $5/month after that. Bikeshare for All members get unlimited 60-minute rides on classic bikes, reduced ebike rates—and a whole lot more. The easiest way to get going is through the Lyft app, but you can unlock bikes with a Clipper card as well. For information, check out https://www.lyft.com/bikes/bay-wheels/bike-share-for-all

A black square with no visible elements or features, like the simplicity and clarity one might seek in effective Assistance Programs.

SamTrans Special Services

Ride Plus is an on-demand, low-cost service available in Half Moon Bay/El Granada and East Palo Alto/Belle Haven. Riders can select pick-up and drop-off locations within a designated zone and pay the same low fare as a regular SamTrans bus.

Through the College Service program, students attending community colleges in San Mateo County can ride SamTrans buses for free.

The Paratransit program provides door-to-door service for riders with qualifying disabilities. There are no trip restrictions and eligible riders can use it to travel to and from work or for personal trips.

The image features the SamTrans logo, comprised of the word "samTrans" in bold black text above two horizontal stripes: one red and one blue, representing transit services in San Mateo County.

Commute.org Programs 

Visit Commute.org’s reward page to find financial incentives, Guaranteed Ride Home program, Free Transit Tickets, and more for free to any commuters who live or work in San Mateo County.