Beginning Thursday, SamTrans riders who live and work in San Mateo County will receive free bus rides on existing routes to COVID-19 vaccination sites.
“Passengers going to a vaccination site must let the bus operator know as soon as they board the bus and show proof of the vaccine appointment or a vaccination card,” according to SamTrans. “Fare payment to vaccination sites will not be required until further notice.”
Redi-Wheels and Redi-Coast paratransit services will also offer eligible participants free rides to and from vaccination sites. While booking their reservations, riders need to indicate the trip is for the purpose of a COVID-19 vaccination.
“As a public agency, it is important to provide our communities with transit-friendly options to vaccination sites that will help ensure equitable access in San Mateo County, especially for vulnerable communities that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic,” said Charles Stone, Chair of the SamTrans Board of Directors.
AC Transit, BART, SFMTA and VTA, are also offering free rides to vaccine distribution sites to ensure their access to the locations.
