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Assistance Programs

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

Caltrain Pass Forward Program 

The 2024 Pass Forward Program is currently distributing passes.

Commute.org is continuing to partner with Caltrain on its Pass Forward Program for 2024, which gives us an allocation of free Go Passes 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. Make less than $70,000/year
  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

To complete the application please complete BOTH the Commute.org Survey & Caltrain Survey.

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

Informational flyer titled "Free Caltrain Go Pass for Eligible Applicants." The flyer outlines eligibility requirements and steps to apply, including checking eligibility, filling out a form, and receiving a Clipper Card. It includes a QR code, website link, and contact information for additional support.

Community Transportation Benefits Program 

The ‘Community Transportation Benefits Program’ (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 choose from one of two options that meet their needs:  

  1. Clipper Card with a value of $200 (annual benefit); or 
  1. FasTrak® toll tag/transponder with value of $200 (annual benefit)

Go here for more information and to receive benefits: https://smcexpresslanes.org/program/equity-program/

Blue and white logo featuring a stylized road with a car and passengers on the left, highlighting "EXPRESS LANES Community Transportation Benefits 101" with a nod to assistance programs on the right.

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 or lease price for 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.

Peninsula Clean Energy opens the program on an annual basis in June. 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.

Coming Soon: 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) is working to develop guidelines for who will be eligible, the size of the grants, and the equitable distribution of the funds. The program is scheduled to launch in Spring of 2024. For more information, go here: 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 Paratransit:

Paratransit door to door service for those who are eligible. There are no trip purpose restrictions and eligible riders can use this service to get to and from work. Eligibility is determined by the inability to ride buses some or all the time due to a disability. Participants must apply and be approved before reserving the service. Learn more by visiting the Paratransit SamTrans page.

Redi-Wheels: Operates on the bayside, plus Pacifica and Daly City
RediCoast: Operates on the coastside (from south of Devil’s Slide to the border of Santa Cruz County)

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.