May 4, 2026
Chair Marie Chuang
SamTrans Board of Directors
1250 San Carlos Avenue
San Carlos, CA 94070
RE: Draft Local Investment Plan for Potential Senate Bill 63 Regional Tax Measure Return-toSource Funds for San Mateo County Transit Purposes Dear Chair Chuang and Board Members,
The City of Half Moon Bay is pleased to provide feedback on the Local Investment Plan for SB 63 Return to Source Funds, should the bill be approved by voters. We appreciated the opportunity to hear the SamTrans staff presentation to our Council in March, which provided valuable insight into the proposed measure and allowed us to share our initial priorities. We are grateful for the opportunity to reinforce that feedback and advocate for the residents of Half Moon Bay and the greater San Mateo County Coastside.
The Coastside remains one of the most geographically isolated areas in San Mateo County, with limited options for transportation outside of private vehicles and minimal fixed-route and on-demand transit service. Many of the services and amenities enjoyed by bayside residents, including healthcare, higher education, and retail, are either unavailable or limited on the Coastside, necessitating frequent trips “over-the-hill”. As a community with many seniors, families, service workers, and farmworkers, these limitations present ongoing challenges to accessing critical services and opportunities.
Should SB 63 be approved, the City strongly encourages that a fair and proportionate share of Returnto-Source funds be invested into the Coastside, with prioritization of the following investments:
• Expansion of Ride Plus services to serve the whole Coastside (Montara to Pescadero), including increased fleet capacity, longer hours of operation, and the ability to accommodate trips to the bayside.
• Increased bus service frequency and expanded routes serving the Coastside • Improvements to bus stops and shelters, with near-term focus on key locations such as Highway 92, Miramontes Point Road at Highway 1, and the Strawflower Village Shopping Center, as well as additional shelter installations and upgrades systemwide over time • Enhanced maintenance and cleanliness of buses and facilities to ensure a comfortable and safe rider experience that encourages more use of the existing system The City appreciates the continued partnership with SamTrans and recognizes the service improvements that have benefited our community in recent years. Our hope is that with this additional funding, the Coastside can realize a more robust and equitable public transit system that better serves the needs of all residents and visitors.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Mayor Debbie Ruddock
City of Half Moon Bay
CC:
Ray Mueller, District 4 Supervisor, San Mateo County