SamTrans celebrates its 50th anniversary today with free rides across its entire system — a one‑day transit win for Peninsula exploration.

Today, July 1, SamTrans marks its 50th anniversary with free rides all day on every one of its 74 bus routes, plus two on‑demand microtransit zones. No Clipper card or cash needed — just board.

The free Customer Appreciation Day runs from start of service through the last run. Outreach tables with anniversary swag will be stationed in Redwood City from 9‑11am and at Serramonte Center from 1‑3pm; wear a 1970s‑themed outfit for extra commemorative prizes.

SamTrans began service on July 1, 1976, consolidating several local bus systems. The agency now moves more than 10 million riders a year across San Mateo County. Today’s free rides are the first of several anniversary events: on September 1, fares drop to a nostalgic 25¢ (the original 1976 fare), and a community celebration will be held at the agency’s new Millbrae headquarters on September 26.

Why it’s worth a schlep: If you’ve been eyeing a car‑free trip down the Peninsula — maybe to San Mateo’s Central Park, the coastside via Highway 1, or the Hillsdale Shopping Center — today’s the day to test the bus without the usual $2.25 fare. The free rides also apply to SamTrans’ airport service (Route 292) to SFO, a reliable backup when BART is single‑tracking.

Insider tip: The serendipity of free transit works best for short hops — ride the ECR line between downtown San Mateo and Redwood City, or take the 397 to Pacifica and back. Don’t expect the buses to be empty; regular riders know a free day when they see one, so factor in a little extra time.

If you only have two hours: Grab the next bus toward Serramonte Center (Daly City BART‑adjacent) after 1pm, snag some anniversary swag, and ride back. You’ve just celebrated five decades of Peninsula mobility for exactly zero dollars.