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Assistance Programs

Programs that provide assistance to income-qualifying individuals

Caltrain Go Pass Donation Program 

Commute.org was selected to continue partnering with Caltrain on its Go Pass Donation Program for 2023, which gives us an allocation of free passes to distribute to eligible recipients. Commute.org has been a partner of this program since it was launched as a pilot in 2021. We continue to work with Caltrain to help make this program successful with assistance in program improvements, marketing collateral, and customer service to the participants.  

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

To apply or check eligibility, fill out Commute.org’s form here in English or/o acceso en español. You must also fill out a survey from Caltrain, link in form.

If are interested in learning more about the program, please send an email to gopass@commute.org or text (650) 538-7603 for more information. You can also view the Caltrain Go Pass Flyer 2023 in English y español.

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 (20% or 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 

UPDATE: New applications are no longer being accepted in spring 2022. Applications already received have been placed on a waiting list and will be reviewed if additional funding becomes available. 

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

San Mateo County residents who meet income qualifications will receive a discount at participating shops of up to $800 off the purchase price for an e-bike. 

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 program is scheduled to begin in July of 2022. 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. 

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.