Streets Blog SF
By Stephanie Beechem
Senator Josh Becker (D-San Mateo/Northern Santa Clara Counties) introduced SB 917, the Seamless Transit Transformation Act, on Thursday, a new bill to create a more coordinated and integrated Bay Area transit system while improving the rider experience. This is the latest attempt by lawmakers to build a more seamless, accessible transit system across the nine-county Bay Area.
Sponsored by Seamless Bay Area, the Bay Area Council, and TransForm, SB 917 would require transit agencies in the region to work together to develop an integrated transit fare structure by 2024, create a Connected Network Plan to support schedule coordination and service standards, and develop a single regional transit map and standardized way-finding system.
“We must act quickly to entice riders back to public transit — and put the rider experience front and center,” said Becker. “This legislation will help transform our system into a world-class, seamless experience for the public while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving access to jobs and housing for residents.”
The integrated fare structure mandated by the bill — to be developed by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) in consultation with Bay Area transit agencies — will make the price that transit riders pay for transit fairer, simpler, and more equitable.