The Reimagine SamTrans project is an analysis of SamTrans’ bus system in San Mateo County, with the goal of proposing network changes to better the rider experience. Over the last year, SamTrans has proposed various route alternatives that aim to improve efficiency based on factors such as route coverage, frequency and regional connections. Community feedback helped SamTrans staff refine the options over summer 2021, with a preferred network proposal ready for review before deployment in summer 2022.

There are minor and major service changes proposed throughout San Mateo County, with proposed changes in South County that will affect Menlo Park riders. Routes with proposed changes include the 281, 286 and 296, and on school tripper routes such as the 80, 83 and 84.

SamTrans will be holding a virtual community meeting to share information and gather further feedback on the proposed changes for summer 2022. 

SamTrans South County meeting
Thursday, Oct. 21, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Meeting link: https://bit.ly/reimaginesouthcounty
Call in phone number: 312-626-6799
Zoom Webinar ID: 858 7664 0032
Languages: English, Spanish, Mandarin and Tongan

For those that cannot attend the meeting, you may also submit feedback on the Reimagine SamTrans webpage. To submit feedback via the webpage, go to the South County webpage or school tripper webpage and scroll to the feedback window about halfway down the page.

For more information, please visit the Reimagine SamTrans website or call their customer service line at 800-660-4287.

As part of the final phase of Chilco Street improvements, the City, in coordination with Facebook, will install five median islands. These would be in the section of Chilco that parallels the railroad tracks. The median islands narrow the traffic lanes to slow down traffic, but still provide a clear travel path for emergency vehicles.

Menlo Park seeks feedback from Belle Haven residents regarding three options for construction. Each has different traffic impacts and costs. Be on the lookout, as this survey will be sent via text and email to Belle Haven residents. The survey will be open through September 30, 2021.

After the medians are installed, Chilco Street will be slurry sealed, and fresh striping and pavement markings will be applied. Construction is anticipated to be completed in November, when the street will fully reopen to the public.

The Safe Routes to School program will be providing free children bicycle helmets and fittings in the Belle Haven neighborhood. The Safe Routes to School program was allocated a generous donation of 100 bike helmets from the California Department of Public Health Kids’ Plates program. The helmets will be distributed during the International Walk to School day.

Belle Haven helmet giveaway
Wednesday, Oct. 6
1–4 p.m.
Entrance of Belle Haven School
415 Ivy Drive 

Children must be present in order to be properly fit and receive a helmet. Helmets for children between the ages of 8 and 14 years old will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Last year, the first helmet giveaway took place Oct. 21, 2020, in the Belle Haven neighborhood. Thanks to a generous donation from Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, we distributed 50 helmets to children 5–17 years old. The event was held in front of Belle Haven School, which allowed parents and children to get free helmets and personalized helmet fittings. When you roll, always wear your helmet!

On Aug. 25, 2021, at the San Mateo County Safe Routes to School Summit, helmet use advocate Paige Hargis shared the story of her son Alex who was severely injured while skateboarding without a helmet. She founded My Grey Matterz, which collaborates with the skateboard industry with the goal of creating a “New Norm” to include the helmet in the “skateboarding kit.” Watch Alex’s helmet safety video.

To ensure the safety of all, city staff will be wearing masks and gloves during the helmet fittings. Children and parents are also required to wear face coverings.