San Mateo City Council
November 6, 2023

Memorandum
DATE July 17, 2023
TO
Sue-Ellen Atkinson, Principal
Transportation Planner
[email protected]
FROM Carla Violet, Associate Principal
Emily Culling, Assistant Planner
RE: San Mateo Transportation Demand Management Focus Groups Summary (June and July 2023)

OUTCOMES:
 Understand San Mateo’s Transportation Demand Management (TDM) ordinance project purpose, team, and timeline
 Review/Understand fundamentals of TDM
 Identify potential TDM measures feasible for San Mateo  Identify opportunities and barriers to implementing TDM measures

ATTENDEES:
 44 virtual attendees across 4 focus groups
o Local Developers: 9 participants
o Chamber of Commerce 30 business representatives
o Transportation agencies: 3 representatives from SamTrans, SMCTA, and SamTrans
o Commute.org: 2 representatives
 City Staff:
o Sue-Ellen Atkinson, Principal Transportation Planner
o Evan Albert, Deputy Director of Public Works
 Consultants:
o Carla Violet, Associate Principal (UPP)
o Emily Culling, Assistant Planner (UPP)
o Molly Riddle, Transportation Planner (Fehr and Peers) July 17, 2023

SUMMARY:

Carla Violet (UPP) presented a brief overview of San Mateo’s TDM ordinance project, team, and timeline, as well as the fundamentals of TDM and examples of key TDM measures. After the presentation, the group moved into an interactive activity using Miro, a collaborative virtual whiteboard. Each focus group was asked a series of questions tailored to their relationship with TDM measures, such as “What TDM measures are you familiar with implementing and why?” and “What services are tenants/residents requesting that could be helpful when developing the TDM ordinance?”. For each question, participants’ responses were documented using post-it notes and additional notes were taken. Using the same tool, participants were then presented with a list of TDM measures and asked to discuss opportunities, challenges, and examples of such measures.

Focus groups concluded with a recap of the project timeline and reminders that feedback would be requested on the draft TDM Ordinance and Program Guidelines in the Winter of 2023/2024.

Local Developers Focus Group Feedback:
 Tenants, employees, and residents have requested transit pass programs, shuttle service, more secured bike parking, EV charging stations and e-bike rebates, showers and lockers.  Improved connections between transit options and better/wider sidewalks would help reduce automobile travel.
 Subsidized passes are frequently asked about, but the increase operational expenses can be difficult to accommodate, especially for larger developments.  Creative measures suggested include a more bike/walk friendly El Camino, bike/pedestrian scaled-lighting, wider sidewalks, and neighborhood/site-specific TDM measures.  Inability to change resident behavior poses a barrier to reducing parking and providing transit passes.

Additional discussion included barriers to behavior change, such as the convenience of driving and residents’ desire to have parking. Subsidized transit passes were frequently discussed, with participants noting that barriers included the cost, especially towards residents that don’t use provided passes. One participant noted that they would like more announcements about how TDM fees are used and what improvement fees have contributed to.

Chamber of Commerce Focus Group Feedback:
 More childcare, ride share meeting spots, last mile and regional transit connections, seamless inter-modality, discounted parking rates, East/West transit service, and on- demand micro transit arose as measures helpful to business owners.  Suggested free shuttle services, real-time transit information, shuttles for workforce lunch crews, and increased punctuality and frequency of existing transit options as options that would support employees.
 Lack of walkability and safe crosswalks cited as access barriers to their businesses.  Creative measures suggested included shuttles into and around downtown, educating teens on how to use public transit, effort to support and keep siblings together in neighborhood schools, and retail discounts for transit riders.

July 17, 2023

Most feedback expressed a need for improvements to existing infrastructure and expanded capacity of existing bus service (i.e., More stops nearby, more express options, connections to office locations). Other creative measures discussed included Wi-Fi in public areas, a staggered workforce commute, catering to the needs of service workers, and shuttles around downtown to support restaurants and shopping centers.

Transportation Agencies Focus Group Feedback:
 Unique barriers to San Mateo include differences in topography, no free community shuttles, El Camino as a barrier to bike/pedestrian connectivity, way of purchasing transit passes is difficult for CalTrain and SamTrans.
 Measures that are geography-specific could address differences in topography.  Flexible transit wallet options would be good, look to BayPass trial success.  Creative measures could include addressing transit hesitancy through bus and bike trainings/education.
 Need for projects that have successfully implemented TDM measures to be used as examples for future developments.

Participants also discussed the growing need for curb management. The group emphasized how lack of signage, knowledge of bike routes, how bike-bus connections limits accessibility; this could be mitigated by bike tours and education on how to bring bikes onto the bus. Chelsea Schultz and David Pape from SamTrans also discussed a current SamTrans study of all the bus stops, assessing need and frequency of use.

Commute.Org Focus Group Feedback:
 Unique transportation context in San Mateo include 3 Caltrain stations, the division of the city by Highway 101, and the western portion of the city being isolated.  TDM measures should be compliant with Bay Area Commuter Benefits Program requirements.
 Some creative measures are ensuring bike parking facilities provide E-Bike charging, providing first/last mile transit options (private+public), flex cash subsidy/incentives (parkin cash out), and considering the trigger for implementing TDM, beyond just new development.
 Should affordable housing have same trip reduction measures as market-rate development?
 Challenges with TDM measures include San Mateo’s topography and the feasibility of walking/biking given where people live and work in San Mateo.  Consider layering the land use type plus project size with the TDM ordinance and 3 tiers of geography in San Mateo.

John and Carmen also provided input on various TDM measures including the opportunity of incorporating bikeshare memberships, shuttles, first/last mile options, parking automation, and awarding points to projects based on infrastructure improvements and transit subsidy amounts.

Challenges included fare integration, marketability of unbundled parking, implementing parking cashouts (when employers offer free parking), and the City’s bandwidth to track measures.

July 17, 2023

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
 Challenges:
o Barriers to accessibility and connectivity due to San Mateo’s topography and condition/lack of infrastructure:
 Need for seamless inter-modality and improvements to bike and pedestrian infrastructure such as sidewalk improvements, more bike lanes and signage, bike/ped-scale lighting, and wider sidewalks.
 Residents are asking for more connected walking paths and subsidized public transit options.
 Need for a more bike and ped friendly El Camino, especially around the CalTrain station to increase connectivity and safety.
o Cost and payment barriers:
 Public transit subsidies/passes are frequently requested but the cost for developers to provide to all residents in a development is high and not all residents use them.
 Opportunities:
o Measures that help address behavior change to make non-automobile transit easier and more accessible:
 Increasing knowledge of bus schedules
 Providing last mile connections
 Offering transit wallet options: simplify payment systems to be all in one  Aligning service with needs, such as those of service workers  Promoting existing shuttle services and expanding free services to and around Downtown.
 Creative TDM measures:
o Create programs to help get people familiar and comfortable with riding public transit to address stigma and hesitation some residents feel:
 Formalize a “Bus to Work” day
 Educational programming for kids/teens on how to use transit, encourage use of public transit in schools (similar to a ‘bike bus’) o Provide E-Bike charging stations for all bike parking facilities o Discounts and incentives for bus/transit riders by businesses, at community events o Carpooling incentives and programming
o Geography specific plus factor in land use type and project size 5) What are some creative TDM measures you think could be helpful to implement in San Mateo (e.g., family supportive services, daycare)? safe connections to bike network
Comfortable, shaded & greened sidewalk
More bike/walk friendly El Camino
wide sidewalks
safe, well- lit, protected bike lanes
Better connections totransit (walking, bike, shuttle)
subsidizedpublic transit (+1)
< (related) Greateraccess to information aboutsubsidized transit programs, how to apply, etc.

Bike Parking
secured bike parking
private shuttle stop
showers/lockers
TNC dropoff
TDM coordinator
Real- time transit data+ Wayfinding
Unbundled parking
Bike Storage
Showers& Lockers
induced demand w/parking spaces
Changing Behavior and marketconditions
Change in adding operational expenses (ownership perspective) subsidizedpass is hardest w/risingcosts 4) What do you see as the biggest barriers to complying with TDM programs in general, and any specific measures that have been discussed? 2) What services are tenants/employees/residents requesting that could be helpful to know about when developing the TDM ordinance? 3) What are people asking for to help reduce their automobile travel? 1) What TDM measures are you familiar with implementing and why? Careshare
New ResidentPackets
Shuttleservice
Marketing
Bike lane routes information
Transit Pass programs
EV charging
Electric bike rebate
Lockers
Cargo bike parking
Issue w/ lack of ability to compel useof a provided service. Can provide,subsidy (ex) may notbe leveraged.

Separateduses
We can offer but ultimately tenants need to accept
Connected/coordinated Train/BusSchedule
Safety on transit
Unbundled Parking
Prioritize and Incentivizedevelopment near train stops
mixed use / neighborhood services provided on site
Reevaluating TDMmeasures based on evolving landscape/changes in neighborhood More ped/bike scaled lighting
childcareoptions
Staggered drop- off/pick- up (schools)
transit passes (100%, 75%, etc)
Reducedparking
Bike repair stations
Better promo of ex senior shuttle
increase # of EV stalls in public garages
MobilityWallet
Connected and Safe Walking Paths from bus or train Cost Convenience of driving for groceries, etc.

Developer Responses
-- OpportunitiesChallengesGood ExamplesTDM Measure
Multimodal Network ImprovementsProvide Bike Network ImprovementsProvide Pedestrian Network ImprovementsProvide Traffic Calming Measures OtherDeveloper TDM Fee
ParkingProvide Free/Preferential Parking for Carpools and VanpoolsInstall Parking Count EquipmentProvide Shared ParkingPrice Workplace ParkingPaid Parking at Market RateProvide Parking Cash- outUnbundle Parking Costs from Property CostProvide Short Term Daily ParkingPrograms and Services - OtherActive Transportation SubsidiesProvide Targeted Behavioral InterventionsProvide Voluntary Travel Behavior Change PrgInstall EV ChargersProvide Flexible Work ScheduleTelemedicineProvide Alternative Transportation BenefitsPre- Tax Transportation BenefitsPrograms and Services - RidesharingProvide School Pool ProgramsProvide Ride- Share ProgramsImplement and School Bus ProgramProvide Ridematching ServicesProvide a Guaranteed Ride Home ProgramProvide Vanpool IncentivesPromotion, Education, and ManagementProvide On- Site Travel and TDM informationTravel TrainingSkill and Safety TrainingProvide Education, Marketing & OutreachAnnual Commute Survey (Employer Survey)Community Mobility Monthly EventsBike Repair ClinicsJoin Transp Mgmt Assoc (TMA) - Commute.orgProvide a Site TDM Coordinator or ContactSite EnhancementsProvide Family- Supportive AmenitiesProvide Employee Lockers, Shower Facilities, and Changing RoomsProvide Bike Repair StationPassenger PUDO ZonesProvide Multimodal Wayfinding SignageProvide Bike Parking FacilitiesPedestrian Oriented Uses and Amenities on Grd FlrProvide On- Site Amenities to Reduce TripsCommercial PUDO Zones Rethinkingcurb use
Provide announcement on what is done with fees
Other utility infrastructure challenges with imp 10 ft lanes (Hayward) Implementing project improvements within the contextof larger City plans What does thismean and what does it include?
Could be cost prohibitive?Is it in lieu?
ongoing operationalcosts
Developer Responses
3) What are some creative TDM measures you think could be helpful to implement in San Mateo (e.g., family supportive services, daycare)? 2) What about San Mateo may make certain TDM measures more or less feasible or impactful?1) What is unique about the San Mateo transportation context that we should know about? Topography
Magnet schools that draw from across district and increase driving Perceptiontowards transit
Specific TMAs could be expanded to other parts of city
topography
Caltranson ECR
Amt of approvals and coord is uphill battle/costly/lengthy Inherent tension btwdiff modes of travel
Comprehensive bike or wayfinding plan
Thriving downtown w/regional transit access
Identity skews toward driving
No free community shuttles (aside from Commute.org, senior shuttle) El Camino access - barriers to bike/walk
Transit TDM is feasible
More coordw/relying on developers
Way of purchasing transit passesis difficult
Gentrification concerns? Comes back to parking (more ppl in less space) More bike signage
Communication/marketing real time transit info
Transportation Agencies Responses
OpportunitiesChallengesGood ExamplesTDM Measure
Multimodal Network ImprovementsProvide Bike Network ImprovementsProvide Pedestrian Network ImprovementsProvide Traffic Calming Measures ParkingProvide Free/Preferential Parking for Carpools and VanpoolsInstall Parking Count EquipmentProvide Shared ParkingPrice Workplace ParkingPaid Parking at Market RateProvide Parking Cash- outUnbundle Parking Costs from Property CostProvide Short Term Daily Parking Programs and Services - OtherActive Transportation SubsidiesProvide Targeted Behavioral InterventionsProvide Voluntary Travel Behavior Change PrgInstall EV ChargersProvide Flexible Work ScheduleTelemedicineProvide Alternative Transportation BenefitsPre- Tax Transportation BenefitsPrograms and Services - RidesharingProvide School Pool ProgramsProvide Ride- Share ProgramsImplement and School Bus ProgramProvide Ridematching ServicesProvide a Guaranteed Ride Home ProgramProvide Vanpool Incentives Promotion, Education, and ManagementProvide On- Site Travel and TDM informationTravel TrainingSkill and Safety TrainingProvide Education, Marketing & OutreachAnnual Commute Survey (Employer Survey)Community Mobility Monthly EventsBike Repair ClinicsJoin Transp Mgmt Assoc (TMA) - Commute.orgProvide a Site TDM Coordinator or Contact Transit Wallet? More flex thru Clipper
Open paymentfor Clipper (monthly pass)maybe end 2024
MTC Pilot Program (Bay Pass)
Transitpasses
Bike valet
Bike repair clinics - pay to come to Farmer's Market
Add to ex community events(show transit receipt to get free something) SVBC help w/ funding
Instructionalvideos (Rules of theRoad)
Partnering w/Advocacy grps as part of tour w/incentives Promo w/transittour as large community event (similar tobike tour) Help w/taking bike on the bus
Encourage kids taking transit together (SamTrans "Ridethe Line") Curb Mgmt
Autonomous Shuttles (to Caltrain)
Having projects to point to (lack of adopted plans for shovel ready projects) Carpool Commute.org inSan Bruno. Hardtime getting ppl to sign up Level of coord across agencies and reconcile visions
OtherDeveloper TDM Fee
Site EnhancementsProvide Family- Supportive AmenitiesProvide Employee Lockers, Shower Facilities, and Changing RoomsProvide Bike Repair StationPassenger PUDO ZonesProvide Multimodal Wayfinding SignageProvide Bike Parking FacilitiesPedestrian Oriented Uses and Amenities on Grd FlrProvide On- Site Amenities to Reduce TripsCommercial PUDO Zones Complete NeighborhoodsProvide a Neighborhood SchoolProvide Housing Subsidies Near EmploymentAffordable HousingProvide Healthy Food Retail in Underserved AreasSupport Local Famers MarketCoordinate a CSA Pickup/Dropoff Transportation Agencies Reponses
4) What are some creative TDM measures you think could be helpful to implement in San Mateo (e.g., family supportive services, daycare)? 2) What TDM measures would you like to see implemented/would assist you and your employees to travel via non- automotive modes? 3) What existing barriers impede access to your businesses/key destinations via non- automotive modes?
1) What TDM measures would be most helpful to you (business owners)? parking  restrictions
shuttles
Knowing when traffic reports are triggered
Apps for parking availability
More last mile connection
Transit passes from employers
free shuttle service
More bus stops
real- time transit information
more childcare, before and after school care
Incentivize and encourage pedestrian & bike connectivity through new development clear processes and procedures to measure TDM performance (e.g. counts of single occupancy vehicle trip generation; measurement of actual TDM parrticipation formalize a "bus to work" day
incentivize car pooling
transit schedules don't always match the needs
Lack of flexibilityfor those who need to run errands during the day parking for carpools and vanpools
not walkablefriendly from bus stops
sidewalks and safe crosswalks
ride sharing
transit service east west
Discountedparking rates
More childcareoptions
effective and timely transit service w/in 1/4 mile
more express options
more options/times/connections for public transit
bike andscooter share
greater effort to keep siblings together in one school
Prioritize development near high quality transit stops
how to overcome San Mateo Bridge congestion
staggeredworkforcecommute
understandingthe needs of service workers
minimal/fewtransit stopsnearby
Some want the "alone" time of driving
Convenience
broken sidewalks, other obstacles
no direct connection from most office locations
passenger behavior changeto take public transit instead of driving Making public transit faster and more reliable than driving and SAFER lack of law enforcement presence
continuous bike lanes
changing planning requirements
integration with County transit and bike infrastructure ride share meeting spots in non high traffic areas
childcare/child safe options
shuttles forworkforce lunch crowd
subsidizepublic transit
more time slots throughoutthe day
services that are punctual
Regional issue - better shuttles from locality to locality more options for older adults
incentivize bus use
Educating teens to use public transit to get around without adult supervision promotion of bike to work capabilities
More use of neighborhood schools
look at reduction of reasons for rides
safer & connected sidewalks
Consistency across public transit providers with schedules More carpooling opportunities
Seamless intermodality
on- demandmicro transit
free hi- speed wifi in public areas
extendedhours
shuttles to downtown restaurants and shopping centers
retail discounts for bus riders
more connection to regional transit hubs
Chamber of Commerce Responses
OpportunitiesChallengesGood ExamplesTDM Measure
Multimodal Network ImprovementsProvide Bike Network ImprovementsProvide Pedestrian Network ImprovementsProvide Traffic Calming Measures ParkingProvide Free/Preferential Parking for Carpools and VanpoolsInstall Parking Count EquipmentProvide Shared ParkingPrice Workplace ParkingPaid Parking at Market RateProvide Parking Cash- outUnbundle Parking Costs from Property CostProvide Short Term Daily Parking Programs and Services - OtherActive Transportation SubsidiesProvide Targeted Behavioral InterventionsProvide Voluntary Travel Behavior Change PrgInstall EV ChargersProvide Flexible Work ScheduleTelemedicineProvide Alternative Transportation BenefitsPre- Tax Transportation BenefitsPrograms and Services - RidesharingProvide School Pool ProgramsProvide Ride- Share ProgramsImplement and School Bus ProgramProvide Ridematching ServicesProvide a Guaranteed Ride Home ProgramProvide Vanpool Incentives Promotion, Education, and ManagementProvide On- Site Travel and TDM informationTravel TrainingSkill and Safety TrainingProvide Education, Marketing & OutreachAnnual Commute Survey (Employer Survey)Community Mobility Monthly EventsBike Repair ClinicsJoin Transp Mgmt Assoc (TMA) - Commute.orgProvide a Site TDM Coordinator or Contact Some people will feel like they're losing something (like parking or car lanes) Bike facilities should be continuous
OtherDeveloper TDM Fee
Not always feasible -- especially for projects in TOD
Site EnhancementsProvide Family- Supportive AmenitiesProvide Employee Lockers, Shower Facilities, and Changing RoomsProvide Bike Repair StationPassenger PUDO ZonesProvide Multimodal Wayfinding SignageProvide Bike Parking FacilitiesPedestrian Oriented Uses and Amenities on Grd FlrProvide On- Site Amenities to Reduce TripsCommercial PUDO Zones Complete NeighborhoodsProvide a Neighborhood SchoolProvide Housing Subsidies Near EmploymentAffordable HousingProvide Healthy Food Retail in Underserved AreasSupport Local Famers MarketCoordinate a CSA Pickup/Dropoff Support neighborhood school
Chamber of Commerce Responses
OpportunitiesChallengesGood ExamplesTDM Measure
Multimodal Network ImprovementsProvide Bike Network ImprovementsProvide Pedestrian Network ImprovementsProvide Traffic Calming Measures ParkingProvide Free/Preferential Parking for Carpools and VanpoolsInstall Parking Count EquipmentProvide Shared ParkingPrice Workplace ParkingPaid Parking at Market RateProvide Parking Cash- outUnbundle Parking Costs from Property CostProvide Short Term Daily Parking Programs and Services - OtherActive Transportation SubsidiesProvide Targeted Behavioral Interventions (commute guidance/concierge)Provide Voluntary Travel Behavior Change PrgInstall EV ChargersProvide Flexible Work ScheduleTelemedicineProvide Alternative Transportation BenefitsPre- Tax Transportation BenefitsPrograms and Services - RidesharingProvide School Pool ProgramsProvide Ride- Share ProgramsImplement and School Bus ProgramProvide Ridematching ServicesProvide a Guaranteed Ride Home ProgramProvide Vanpool IncentivesPromotion, Education, and ManagementProvide On- Site Travel and TDM informationTravel TrainingSkill and Safety TrainingProvide Education, Marketing & OutreachAnnual Commute Survey (Employer Survey)Community Mobility Monthly EventsBike Repair ClinicsJoin Transp Mgmt Assoc (TMA) - Commute.orgProvide a Site TDM Coordinator or Contact Parkingis #1
Parking automation critical to trackwhat's going on
Bikeshare memberships
More contextspecific based on demographic
Bikeshare
Shuttles
Give certain # of points for infrastructure impvmts and amt for transit subsidies 1st/last mile options
Won't be able to lease w/o  parking
Marketability of unbundledparking
Only works w/unbundledparking
Parking cashout not really workng. Emp will give free parking C/CAG goingbi- annual survey (1/yr is a lot!)
Consider City'sbandwidth to track these measures
Keep in mind fare integration
OtherDeveloper TDM Fee
Site EnhancementsProvide Family- Supportive AmenitiesProvide Employee Lockers, Shower Facilities, and Changing RoomsProvide Bike Repair StationPassenger PUDO ZonesProvide Multimodal Wayfinding SignageProvide Bike Parking FacilitiesPedestrian Oriented Uses and Amenities on Grd FlrProvide On- Site Amenities to Reduce TripsCommercial PUDO Zones Complete NeighborhoodsProvide a Neighborhood SchoolProvide Housing Subsidies Near EmploymentAffordable HousingProvide Healthy Food Retail in Underserved AreasSupport Local Famers MarketCoordinate a CSA Pickup/Dropoff More DA orfee structure less TDM
Commute.Org Responses
3) What are some creative TDM measures you think could be helpful to implement in San Mateo? 2) What measures are developers requesting to implement that could be helpful to know about when developing the TDM ordinance?1) What is unique about the San Mateo transportation context that we should know about? Western portion of City is isolated - opp+challenge
Hwy 101 separates 2parts of City
3 Caltrain stations
Must be compliant with Bay Area Commuter Benefits Program req (w/Biz LIcense) Ability to lease impacted? That's what we hear...moston cost of operations but not substantiated.

How can we transfer resp to prop mgr/tenant and actually realize trip reduction? Needs to be in lease agrmt and set before project built.

Don't want to be responsiblefor their tenants' travel options Transit passes $$ esp from affordable dev
Consider trigger for imp TDM (not just new development) Flex cash subsidy/incentive (parking cash out)
First/last mile transit options (not necessarily public, could be shared) EBikes - ability for charging stations @ bike parking
4) What about San Mateo may make certain TDM measures more or less feasible or impactful? Layer on LU type+project size w/3 tiers of geography for policy Topography (hills)
Walking/biking- how feasible given where ppl live/work? Affordable housing (Sametrip red measures as market- rate) Commute.Org Responses