SamTrans has added new service to the existing Route 81 to connect to the Belle Haven neighborhood and East Palo Alto, providing residents with a transit connection to Menlo-Atherton High School. This change is part of regular updates to SamTrans routes and schedules seeking to increase the efficiency and reliability of SamTrans’ service. SamTrans conducted outreach in the area that revealed many students lacked a direct route to school, and had to take two buses. This, and other changes, went into effect Monday, August 19. 

“Menlo-Atherton and SamTrans have a working partnership,” said Simone Rick-Kennel, principal of Menlo-Atherton High School. “Route 81 was established because there was a need to make sure all students could arrive to school ready to learn, not frustrated by their commute. With this partnership, SamTrans provides a direct connection to the classroom and M-A students benefit from this immensely.”

SamTrans adjusts its scheduling and service operations three times a year to take into account changing traffic impacts, travel patterns and bus operator availability. The adjustments help improve on-time performance standards and make the bus system run more smoothly.

For more information, visit the SamTrans webpage. Members of the public interested in commenting on the changes can submit online feedback directly to SamTrans.