San Mateo 101 Express Lanes offer community transportation benefits

Published on February 27, 2023

The new San Mateo 101 Express Lanes Community Transportation Benefits Program helps cover transportation costs for qualifying individuals in San Mateo County. The transportation benefits program is a first of its kind transportation equity program in the U.S., sponsored and funded by the San Mateo County Express Lanes Joint Powers Authority. The JPA worked closely with community members, community-based organizations, and other local leaders to advance this unique program, which launched in April 2022. 

Participants can choose from one of two transportation benefit options: either a $100 transit credit on a Clipper Card or a $100 toll credit on a FasTrak® toll transponder.

To qualify for the transportation benefits under this program, a participant must meet these three qualifications:

1. A resident of San Mateo County
2. Age 18 or older
3. Earning an individual income at or below $78,300 (for 2022)

Eligible participants can enroll in the Community Transportation Benefits Program at the eight County of San Mateo Core Service Agencies, which are listed on the program website.

“We’re proud of the partnership that we’ve solidified with San Mateo County’s Core Service Agencies Network as these agencies work closely with local nonprofits and those in the County to reach individuals who may be in need of assistance,” said Rico E. Medina, Chair of the JPA board of directors. “Individuals who are eligible to enroll in the benefits program can work with any of the eight Core Service Agencies to select the transportation option that suits them best.” 

By offering two transportation benefit options, the program aims to improve mobility for people with or without cars by giving them the option to choose the benefit that best supports their unique mobility needs. No other express lanes equity program in the country has the level of inclusive eligibility requirements nor offers transportation benefit options that qualifying residents can receive as part of the program.

The first 8 miles of the San Mateo 101 Express Lanes opened last year, February 2022, on U.S. Highway 101 in San Mateo County, from Whipple Avenue to the San Mateo/Santa Clara County line. The remaining 14 miles of the San Mateo 101 Express Lanes from north of Whipple Avenue to I-380 in San Bruno is expected to be operational in early 2023. The revenue generated from the express lanes directly funds the equity program, providing a steady stream of revenue that supports those in the community who need help most.

Visit the Community Transportation Benefits Program website to learn more. If you have questions, email the program at info@smcexpresslanes.org or leave a voicemail at 650-523-0831.