fbpx

Assistance Programs

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

Caltrain Pass Forward Program 

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

The 2024 Pass Forward Program application is now open. Limited Go Passes available.

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. 

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 $100 (annual benefit); or 
  1. FasTrak® toll tag/transponder with value of $100 (one-time benefit)

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

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 

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 $800 off the purchase 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. See this page for updates and more information: https://www.peninsulacleanenergy.com/ebikes/

 

Got Wheels! A subsidized taxi program from Peninsula Family Services

Residents of Daly City, Colma, Brisbane, South San Francisco, San Bruno, Millbrae, Burlingame, Hillsborough, El Granada, Montara, Moss Beach and Half Moon Bay who are 70 years and older are also eligible to apply for membership in Got Wheels!  Members are provided up to six one-way rides a month for $5 each one-way ride within the geographic area and San Francisco International Airport. Peninsula Family Services subsidizes the remainder of the fare.

Go here for more information and to apply.

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.

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 commuter that lives or work in San Mateo County.