SamTrans
SamTrans makes it easy to get to and from College of San Mateo with direct, reliable service. Two bus routes connect the campus with Caltrain, downtown San Mateo, Hillsdale Shopping Center, and other key destinations. Buses run throughout the week with both daytime and evening service.
Through partnerships with local agencies, students may also qualify for reduced or free transit programs, making SamTrans one of the most affordable ways to reach campus. Whether you are commuting daily, attending evening classes, or visiting on weekends, SamTrans offers a convenient and sustainable option for the CSM community.
SamTrans Routes
SamTrans operates two bus routes to CSM:
- Route 250 – CSM Campus, Hillsdale Shopping Center, Downtown San Mateo, and San Mateo Caltrain Station.
- Route CSM – More direct route between CSM Campus and San Mateo Caltrain Station
All buses have wheelchair lifts and accommodate two to four bikes. Route 250 provides late weekday service and Route CSM provides weekday evening service. Route 250 has 30 min frequency on weekends, and Route CSM runs hourly on weekends.
Plan Your Trip
Use samtrans.com or call 1-800-660-4287 for route planning and real-time info. Printed schedules are
available in the Center for Student Life and Leadership Development (Building 17,
Room 112).
CSM SparkPoint Way2Go Bus Pass
In partnership with SamTrans, CSM SparkPoint offers free Way2Go passes for students. Way2Go passes offer unlimited bus service on any SamTrans bus at any time for an unlimited number of times.
Complete a Way2Go Bus Pass application to request a Way2Go bus pass on a first-come, first-served basis.
Students must be enrolled in at least one unit at Cañada College, College of San Mateo, or Skyline College to qualify.
The bus pass is valid through August 31, 2026. For questions about this program, please contact CSM SparkPoint at csmsparkpoint@smccd.edu.
Ride Plus
Ride Plus is SamTrans’s shared, on-demand van service, designed to connect riders with SamTrans bus routes for travel beyond the service zone:
- Service Type: Shared, on-demand vans (up to 7 passengers + 1 wheelchair, or 10 passengers depending on vehicle)
- Connections: Connects with SamTrans bus routes for travel outside the zone
- Pricing: The same as regular SamTrans bus fare — Clipper, cash, and passes are accepted. Free 2-hour bus transfers with Clipper or the SamTrans app.
How to Use Ride Plus
- Download the SamTrans Ride Plus app (App Store or Google Play) or call (650) 785-6100.
- Enter pickup and drop-off locations within the service zone.
- Track your ride in real time in the app.
- Show booking confirmation when boarding.
For more information on Ride Plus, visit the SamTrans Ride Plus site.
August 11-12, 2025
August 13, 2025
August 30–September 1, 2025