Measure A

The Transportation Authority

Since 1988, when San Mateo County voters passed Measure A by a 61.7 percent margin, the San Mateo County Transportation Authority has worked to improve transit and relieve traffic congestion.

To provide county residents with a balanced transportation road map, the TA focuses on six key programs: transit; local streets and transportation, grade separation, pedestrian and bicycles and alternative congestion relief.

There is no more convincing proof of the TA’s success than the decision by the voters in 2004 to extend the measure until 2033. The reauthorization passed by a phenomenal 75.3 percent margin.

The reauthorized measure, which went into effect in 2009, includes funds for more local community shuttle service, railroad/street grade separations, ferry service to South San Francisco and Redwood City, and a major infusion of tax dollars for pedestrian and bicycle projects. For the first time, much-needed operating funds can be channeled into Caltrain.

In 2008, the board of directors adopted a Strategic Plan To guide the evaluation of projects that apply for funding. The plan, which was developed after a series of community meetings held throughout the county, provides a policy framework for guiding programming and allocation decisions.

The TA is currently developing a Capital Improvement Plan based on estimated sales tax revenue, prior funding commitments, countywide short- and long-term needs, and anticipated program expenditures. The initial plan will be based on forecasts of revenues and projects to be undertaken and, as a living document, it will be refined each year.