Ride Plus in East Palo Alto: Data-Driven Opportunities for Improved Mobility

At the April 16, 2025 Public Works & Transportation Commission meeting, I presented SamTrans Ride Plus statistics. The slides can be viewed here:

The video link is here: https://cityofepa.granicus.com/player/clip/165.

Below is a Google Gemini summary of the slides:

A recent analysis of the SamTrans Ride Plus program in East Palo Alto, initiated in summer 2023 as part of the Reimagine SamTrans project, reveals valuable insights into local transportation needs. Ride Plus was introduced to address gaps in bus route coverage after adjustments were made to Route 280. Data from Fiscal Year 2024 shows a total of 26,416 rides, with a higher concentration on weekdays (76.9%).

The analysis also tracks monthly ridership, active riders, and new riders, identifying trends and fluctuations. Interestingly, a significant percentage of rides cross Highway 101 and Willow Road, indicating key transportation corridors. School trips also account for a notable portion of Ride Plus usage. Examination of the most frequent trips reveals patterns like north-south travel and challenges with integrating Ride Plus with existing bus routes. Further investigation suggests opportunities for improving walkability and transit connectivity, particularly in areas like Woodland Avenue and the west side of East Palo Alto, to better serve residents and encourage the use of public transportation.