Thanks for attending our first event, Thrive with Bay Area Transportation!

Matt Mahan (San Jose Mayor) shared how public transit helped him take advantage of a scholarship by enabling him to travel safely from his home in a Santa Cruz County farming town to school in Santa Clara County.

Carl Guardino (California Transportation Commission Chair) stressed the importance of engaging all stakeholders early to build consensus on transit decisions.

 Margaret Abe-Koga (Mountain View City Councilmember) emphasized the need for high-quality, user-friendly transit systems, drawing from her experience in Japan. 

 Nathaniel J. Arnold III (ATU 192 VP) discussed the connection between mental health, customer service, and the well-being of both bus riders and drivers. 

 Cindy Chavez (Santa Clara County Supervisor) called for greater federal and state funding for public transit to support local efforts. 

 Dylan Fabris (SF Transit Riders) pointed out that 1.3 million Bay Area residents depend on public transit, stressing the need for a reliable, car-free transportation system. 

 Christine Fitzgerald (Disability Advocate) emphasized the need for accessibility in transit planning, urging inclusion of users with disabilities throughout the design process. 

 Rudy Gonzalez (SF Building Trades Council) highlighted the role of well-paying transit jobs in providing opportunities for disadvantaged communities. 

 Ren Fitzgerald (UC Berkeley Student) discussed the safety benefits of public transit, especially for vulnerable groups, and praised the success of the Bay Pass pilot program in increasing ridership.