Transform California
@transformca.bsky.social
Since its beginnings, Transform has launched programs, built coalitions, and won campaigns to promote thriving transit, dense, affordable housing, and safe, vibrant streets—always working in authentic partnership with communities. We believe we can face ma
Some say Vision Zero is falling short, but cities like Orlando, Austin, and Milwaukee show real results.
Small changes like speed humps, lower limits, and better lighting save lives. We know what works; now it’s time to scale it.
usa.streetsblog.org/2025/11/28/o...
Small changes like speed humps, lower limits, and better lighting save lives. We know what works; now it’s time to scale it.
usa.streetsblog.org/2025/11/28/o...
OPINION: Where Cities are Investing, Vision Zero is Working — Streetsblog USA
As the Vision Zero Network turns 10, it's time to look at what works and what is achievable (a lot!).
usa.streetsblog.org
December 3, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Some say Vision Zero is falling short, but cities like Orlando, Austin, and Milwaukee show real results.
Small changes like speed humps, lower limits, and better lighting save lives. We know what works; now it’s time to scale it.
usa.streetsblog.org/2025/11/28/o...
Small changes like speed humps, lower limits, and better lighting save lives. We know what works; now it’s time to scale it.
usa.streetsblog.org/2025/11/28/o...
On November 13, Transform convened experts, including report author Abibat Rahman-Davies, Carl Sedoryk, Aaron Hirsh, and Greg Fair, to unpack the future of open payments, financial inclusion, and digital verification in transit.
transformca.org/webinar-delv...
transformca.org/webinar-delv...
Webinar Delves Into Transit Payment Systems that Benefit All Riders - Transform
Watch the recording of Transform's 11/13/25 webinar about building equity into technological advances in transit fare collection.
transformca.org
December 3, 2025 at 5:02 PM
On November 13, Transform convened experts, including report author Abibat Rahman-Davies, Carl Sedoryk, Aaron Hirsh, and Greg Fair, to unpack the future of open payments, financial inclusion, and digital verification in transit.
transformca.org/webinar-delv...
transformca.org/webinar-delv...
BART’s 2025 Holiday Sweater Collection is here, featuring a new blue design.
Join SweaterFest on December 13 at Rockridge Station for music, photo ops, crafts, and more. Shop now at railgoods.com/.
richmondstandard.com/richmond/202...
Join SweaterFest on December 13 at Rockridge Station for music, photo ops, crafts, and more. Shop now at railgoods.com/.
richmondstandard.com/richmond/202...
BART’s sweater drop comes with festive celebration - Richmond Standard
BART’s 2025 holiday sweater collection is now available for purchase, and the agency is once again hosting its signature “SweaterFest” celebration at Rockridge BART Station Plaza on Saturday, Dec. 13, […]
richmondstandard.com
November 30, 2025 at 5:00 PM
BART’s 2025 Holiday Sweater Collection is here, featuring a new blue design.
Join SweaterFest on December 13 at Rockridge Station for music, photo ops, crafts, and more. Shop now at railgoods.com/.
richmondstandard.com/richmond/202...
Join SweaterFest on December 13 at Rockridge Station for music, photo ops, crafts, and more. Shop now at railgoods.com/.
richmondstandard.com/richmond/202...
Richmond-San Rafael Bridge is going Open Road Tolling! Pre-construction starts this week (weather permitting) as the bridge becomes the first BATA-managed bridge to switch to ORT. This is just the start. Other Bay Area bridges will follow in 2027 & 2028.
blog.bayareametro.gov/posts/work-b...
blog.bayareametro.gov/posts/work-b...
Work begins on Richmond-San Rafael Bridge open road tolling project
Changes are coming soon to the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge toll plaza, the first of the Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA)-managed bridges to be transformed as part of a multi-year conversion to Open Road Tolling (ORT).
blog.bayareametro.gov
November 27, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Richmond-San Rafael Bridge is going Open Road Tolling! Pre-construction starts this week (weather permitting) as the bridge becomes the first BATA-managed bridge to switch to ORT. This is just the start. Other Bay Area bridges will follow in 2027 & 2028.
blog.bayareametro.gov/posts/work-b...
blog.bayareametro.gov/posts/work-b...
In just eight months, WeHOPE’s Berryessa safe parking site has moved 24 residents into permanent housing and 11 into temporary homes.
Success comes from trained, compassionate case managers who build trust and provide hands-on support.
sanjosespotlight.com/san-jose-saf...
Success comes from trained, compassionate case managers who build trust and provide hands-on support.
sanjosespotlight.com/san-jose-saf...
San Jose safe parking site finds housing for homeless residents - San José Spotlight
In a short time, one homeless services provider operating a safe parking site has connected dozens of unhoused people to housing. In the eight months since the Berryessa safe parking site opened, nonprofit WeHOPE has moved 24 people into permanent housing and 11 people into temporary housing. That’s compared to the 15 residents moved from the Santa Teresa VTA light...
sanjosespotlight.com
November 26, 2025 at 11:00 PM
In just eight months, WeHOPE’s Berryessa safe parking site has moved 24 residents into permanent housing and 11 into temporary homes.
Success comes from trained, compassionate case managers who build trust and provide hands-on support.
sanjosespotlight.com/san-jose-saf...
Success comes from trained, compassionate case managers who build trust and provide hands-on support.
sanjosespotlight.com/san-jose-saf...
Caltrain warns cuts are coming without 2026 funding: hourly service, no weekends, early shutdowns, and closed stations. Help protect Bay Area transit by spreading the word and volunteering.
www.greencaltrain.com/2025/11/calt...
www.greencaltrain.com/2025/11/calt...
Caltrain discloses likely severe service cuts without regional measure
Caltrain recently disclosed likely devastating service cuts if a Bay Area transit measure does not succeed in 2026. Without additional funding, Caltrain would be forced to: Reduce service to once …
www.greencaltrain.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Caltrain warns cuts are coming without 2026 funding: hourly service, no weekends, early shutdowns, and closed stations. Help protect Bay Area transit by spreading the word and volunteering.
www.greencaltrain.com/2025/11/calt...
www.greencaltrain.com/2025/11/calt...
The U.S. DOT has proposed cutting the federal Mass Transit Fund and limiting states’ ability to fund transit projects. Advocates warn this could strand millions, worsen congestion, and hurt economic growth. Transit investment is equitable and essential.
www.planetizen.com/news/2025/11...
www.planetizen.com/news/2025/11...
Trump Administration Proposes to Divert Billions from Mass Transit to Highways; Advocates Sound Alarm
Two proposals from the Trump DOT would eliminate a federal mass transit fund and make it harder for states to allocate funding to transit projects.
www.planetizen.com
November 25, 2025 at 11:00 PM
The U.S. DOT has proposed cutting the federal Mass Transit Fund and limiting states’ ability to fund transit projects. Advocates warn this could strand millions, worsen congestion, and hurt economic growth. Transit investment is equitable and essential.
www.planetizen.com/news/2025/11...
www.planetizen.com/news/2025/11...
Bike lanes are more than just paint. They show whether cities prioritize people over cars.
Excluded by Design finds that safe bicycling requires separation from traffic, smooth routes, and inclusive design for all users.
momentummag.com/new-study-sh...
Excluded by Design finds that safe bicycling requires separation from traffic, smooth routes, and inclusive design for all users.
momentummag.com/new-study-sh...
New Study Shows How Bike Lanes Reveal the Hidden Inequities of Our Streets
Bike lanes have become the most visible sign of progress signaling that urban planners are acknowledging those who travel without cars.
momentummag.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Bike lanes are more than just paint. They show whether cities prioritize people over cars.
Excluded by Design finds that safe bicycling requires separation from traffic, smooth routes, and inclusive design for all users.
momentummag.com/new-study-sh...
Excluded by Design finds that safe bicycling requires separation from traffic, smooth routes, and inclusive design for all users.
momentummag.com/new-study-sh...
From streets to stability: Quantavia Smith now has a studio apartment in LA, just steps from the metro. Affordable rent + transit access = independence, opportunity, and a fresh start. Transit-oriented housing is transforming lives and cities.
apnews.com/article/hous...
apnews.com/article/hous...
No car? No problem. Building apartments near public transit could help address the housing crisis
Quantavia Smith, who was often homeless for a decade, now has a studio apartment in Los Angeles with easy access to public transit.
apnews.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:00 PM
From streets to stability: Quantavia Smith now has a studio apartment in LA, just steps from the metro. Affordable rent + transit access = independence, opportunity, and a fresh start. Transit-oriented housing is transforming lives and cities.
apnews.com/article/hous...
apnews.com/article/hous...
The City of Richmond and Caltrans are planning new bike lanes, ADA improvements, and other street upgrades along Bayview and Potrero avenues. Share your thoughts online via the city’s project webpage or by emailing [email protected].
richmondstandard.com/richmond/202...
richmondstandard.com/richmond/202...
Richmond invites public input on Bayview Avenue bike-lane project - Richmond Standard
A community meeting at the Bayview Branch Library (5100 Hartnett Ave.) on Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 6–8 p.m. will give Richmond residents a chance to weigh in on upcoming bike […]
richmondstandard.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:00 PM
The City of Richmond and Caltrans are planning new bike lanes, ADA improvements, and other street upgrades along Bayview and Potrero avenues. Share your thoughts online via the city’s project webpage or by emailing [email protected].
richmondstandard.com/richmond/202...
richmondstandard.com/richmond/202...
Nearly three years late, four Bay Area jurisdictions still don’t have state-approved housing plans, and now face fines and the builder’s remedy. A reminder that California’s housing goals only work if cities actually comply.
www.mercurynews.com/2025/11/16/b...
www.mercurynews.com/2025/11/16/b...
After nearly three years, these Bay Area cities still lack a state-approved housing plan
The jurisdictions could be hit with steep fines and lose control over land use decisions.
www.mercurynews.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Nearly three years late, four Bay Area jurisdictions still don’t have state-approved housing plans, and now face fines and the builder’s remedy. A reminder that California’s housing goals only work if cities actually comply.
www.mercurynews.com/2025/11/16/b...
www.mercurynews.com/2025/11/16/b...
Culver City is piloting single-stair apartments, a simple change that advocates say could unlock more affordable and livable housing. “It’s bigger than a staircase.”
calmatters.org/housing/2025...
calmatters.org/housing/2025...
One California city’s idea to tackle the housing crisis: Take the stairs
For champions of more housing development, ditching the extra staircase has become a buzzy cause in fighting California's housing crisis.
calmatters.org
November 24, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Culver City is piloting single-stair apartments, a simple change that advocates say could unlock more affordable and livable housing. “It’s bigger than a staircase.”
calmatters.org/housing/2025...
calmatters.org/housing/2025...
From BART-themed costumes to Muni-inspired delis, Bay Area transit superfans turn trains into civic pride, nostalgia, and creativity. Agencies embrace their passion through events and collaborations.
sfstandard.com/2025/11/13/m...
sfstandard.com/2025/11/13/m...
BART and Muni stans share their stories
Through merch, meetups, and Muni races, fanatics show their love for riding the rails.
sfstandard.com
November 23, 2025 at 11:00 PM
From BART-themed costumes to Muni-inspired delis, Bay Area transit superfans turn trains into civic pride, nostalgia, and creativity. Agencies embrace their passion through events and collaborations.
sfstandard.com/2025/11/13/m...
sfstandard.com/2025/11/13/m...
Talking Headways features Cortni Desir, Executive Program Manager for Public Transportation at the Connecticut DOT. Topics include her international career, bus infrastructure, homelessness and transit, and the role of curiosity in public service.
usa.streetsblog.org/2025/11/13/t...
usa.streetsblog.org/2025/11/13/t...
Talking Headways Podcast: How Can Transit Agencies Help Homeless Residents? — Streetsblog USA
Talking Headways spoke with Cortni Desir of the Connecticut Department of Transportation about buses, curiosity, and homelessness.
usa.streetsblog.org
November 23, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Talking Headways features Cortni Desir, Executive Program Manager for Public Transportation at the Connecticut DOT. Topics include her international career, bus infrastructure, homelessness and transit, and the role of curiosity in public service.
usa.streetsblog.org/2025/11/13/t...
usa.streetsblog.org/2025/11/13/t...
Open payments could boost Bay Area transit ridership, but without fare discounts and banking support, low-income riders may be left behind. Transform’s new report calls for equitable access.
sf.streetsblog.org/2025/10/29/s...
sf.streetsblog.org/2025/10/29/s...
Study: Advocates Suggest a More Equitable Way Forward for Clipper II - Streetsblog San Francisco
If done poorly, without including discount fare programs or providing banking support services, the move to open payments risks leaving low-income riders further behind, finds a new report from the advocates at Transform
sf.streetsblog.org
November 23, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Open payments could boost Bay Area transit ridership, but without fare discounts and banking support, low-income riders may be left behind. Transform’s new report calls for equitable access.
sf.streetsblog.org/2025/10/29/s...
sf.streetsblog.org/2025/10/29/s...
All aboard the Caltrain Holiday Train! On Dec. 13, ride from San Jose to San Francisco and back with festive decorations, holiday carols, storytime, arts & crafts, and a visit from Santa. Tickets go on sale Nov. 20 at noon. Proceeds support local nonprofits.
www.caltrain.com/news/all-abo...
www.caltrain.com/news/all-abo...
All Aboard the Holiday Train for the First Time Dec. 13 | Caltrain
Beloved holiday classic reinvented as an on-board experience, allowing children of all ages to experience the magic of the holidays and Caltrain at the same time
www.caltrain.com
November 22, 2025 at 11:00 PM
All aboard the Caltrain Holiday Train! On Dec. 13, ride from San Jose to San Francisco and back with festive decorations, holiday carols, storytime, arts & crafts, and a visit from Santa. Tickets go on sale Nov. 20 at noon. Proceeds support local nonprofits.
www.caltrain.com/news/all-abo...
www.caltrain.com/news/all-abo...
56% support for the Bay Area’s 5-county transit measure, enough to pass via signature gathering. But a government-led version would need 2/3 and likely fall short. Transit support is rising, especially among riders.
www.greencaltrain.com/2025/11/new-...
www.greencaltrain.com/2025/11/new-...
New polling shows promise for 5-county transit ballot measure
The Bay Area 5-county regional transit funding measure can pass with a signature-gathering effort, according to new polling shared by MTC at its legislative committee meeting on Friday November 14…
www.greencaltrain.com
November 22, 2025 at 9:00 PM
56% support for the Bay Area’s 5-county transit measure, enough to pass via signature gathering. But a government-led version would need 2/3 and likely fall short. Transit support is rising, especially among riders.
www.greencaltrain.com/2025/11/new-...
www.greencaltrain.com/2025/11/new-...
Plan Bay Area 2050+, a $1.2T blueprint for the region’s next 25 years, faced major pushback at a San Francisco hearing. Residents questioned population forecasts, environmental spending, and unclear funding sources. Public comments are open until Dec. 18.
localnewsmatters.org/2025/11/17/h...
localnewsmatters.org/2025/11/17/h...
Have thoughts on region’s future? Public comment opens for Plan Bay Area 2050+ - Local News Matters
SEVERAL BAY AREA planning agencies convened in San Francisco to discuss and receive public comment on Plan Bay Area 2050+, a long-term plan of projects
localnewsmatters.org
November 22, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Plan Bay Area 2050+, a $1.2T blueprint for the region’s next 25 years, faced major pushback at a San Francisco hearing. Residents questioned population forecasts, environmental spending, and unclear funding sources. Public comments are open until Dec. 18.
localnewsmatters.org/2025/11/17/h...
localnewsmatters.org/2025/11/17/h...
U.S. infrastructure funding surged with IIJA and IRA, but states and cities now drive 79% of spending. They focus on maintenance, rely more on local revenues than federal grants, and lead the way in keeping infrastructure running.
www.brookings.edu/articles/fou...
www.brookings.edu/articles/fou...
Four recent trends in US public infrastructure spending | Brookings
Four trends that policymakers and practitioners should keep in mind as they consider the future of national, state, and local infrastructure needs.
www.brookings.edu
November 21, 2025 at 11:00 PM
U.S. infrastructure funding surged with IIJA and IRA, but states and cities now drive 79% of spending. They focus on maintenance, rely more on local revenues than federal grants, and lead the way in keeping infrastructure running.
www.brookings.edu/articles/fou...
www.brookings.edu/articles/fou...
Palo Alto’s downtown transit center could see housing, safer bike lanes, public art, and new community spaces.
SB 79 allows buildings up to 95 ft near transit. Will the city embrace growth or resist change?
www.paloaltoonline.com/transportati...
SB 79 allows buildings up to 95 ft near transit. Will the city embrace growth or resist change?
www.paloaltoonline.com/transportati...
High-rises? Bike lanes? Snacks? Panel reimagines downtown Palo Alto's transit center
Sometime in the not-too-distant future, downtown Palo Alto’s bustling transit station could be a place of tall housing complexes, colorful murals, spacious bike lanes and snack spots dishing out coffee and sandwiches to awaiting commuters. That, at least, is the vision that was recently presented by a panel of experts from Urban Land Institute.
www.paloaltoonline.com
November 21, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Palo Alto’s downtown transit center could see housing, safer bike lanes, public art, and new community spaces.
SB 79 allows buildings up to 95 ft near transit. Will the city embrace growth or resist change?
www.paloaltoonline.com/transportati...
SB 79 allows buildings up to 95 ft near transit. Will the city embrace growth or resist change?
www.paloaltoonline.com/transportati...
Cutting the Mass Transit Account would slash transit budgets nationwide, but rural states would suffer most.
In Kansas, 43% of all transit funding comes from federal dollars. This isn’t about “drivers vs. transit.” Every state relies on both.
usa.streetsblog.org/2025/11/18/b...
In Kansas, 43% of all transit funding comes from federal dollars. This isn’t about “drivers vs. transit.” Every state relies on both.
usa.streetsblog.org/2025/11/18/b...
Breaking: Trump Admin Seeks To Decimate Federal Transit Funding — Streetsblog USA
"When you're talking about taking away money from transit, your proposal is flawed from the get-go," said one expert.
usa.streetsblog.org
November 21, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Cutting the Mass Transit Account would slash transit budgets nationwide, but rural states would suffer most.
In Kansas, 43% of all transit funding comes from federal dollars. This isn’t about “drivers vs. transit.” Every state relies on both.
usa.streetsblog.org/2025/11/18/b...
In Kansas, 43% of all transit funding comes from federal dollars. This isn’t about “drivers vs. transit.” Every state relies on both.
usa.streetsblog.org/2025/11/18/b...
BART’s $90M fare gates aim to boost safety and accessibility, but one-sided Clipper readers and slow gates create challenges for wheelchair users.
The agency is working with vendors and gathering feedback.
oaklandside.org/2025/11/17/b...
The agency is working with vendors and gathering feedback.
oaklandside.org/2025/11/17/b...
Did BART address disability access in rolling out its new gates?
Card readers on only one side, gates that are slow to open — an accessibility task force raised multiple concerns, but BART didn’t always listen.
oaklandside.org
November 20, 2025 at 11:00 PM
BART’s $90M fare gates aim to boost safety and accessibility, but one-sided Clipper readers and slow gates create challenges for wheelchair users.
The agency is working with vendors and gathering feedback.
oaklandside.org/2025/11/17/b...
The agency is working with vendors and gathering feedback.
oaklandside.org/2025/11/17/b...
The final segment of the Cross-Alameda Trail is complete and expected to open this week, finishing the nearly 4-mile corridor from the Seaplane ferry terminal to Clement & Tilden.
Future plans will connect the trail all the way to Fruitvale BART.
sf.streetsblog.org/2025/11/18/e...
Future plans will connect the trail all the way to Fruitvale BART.
sf.streetsblog.org/2025/11/18/e...
Eyes on the Street: the Cross-Alameda Trail is Complete - Streetsblog San Francisco
Riders should be able to use the last 200 feet shortly after the weather improves
sf.streetsblog.org
November 20, 2025 at 9:00 PM
The final segment of the Cross-Alameda Trail is complete and expected to open this week, finishing the nearly 4-mile corridor from the Seaplane ferry terminal to Clement & Tilden.
Future plans will connect the trail all the way to Fruitvale BART.
sf.streetsblog.org/2025/11/18/e...
Future plans will connect the trail all the way to Fruitvale BART.
sf.streetsblog.org/2025/11/18/e...
Beginning January 2026, the RNM Customer Advisory Group will adopt a new structure to better connect regional and local transit advisory bodies across the Bay Area.
A student/youth seat (ages 18–25) is now open. Applications due December 5, 2025.
blog.bayareametro.gov/posts/mtc-tr...
A student/youth seat (ages 18–25) is now open. Applications due December 5, 2025.
blog.bayareametro.gov/posts/mtc-tr...
MTC transit advisory group undergoes revamp in 2026; application now open for student/youth seat
Beginning in January 2026, the Regional Network Management Customer Advisory Group (RNM CAG) will see a new structure enabling a stronger connection and understanding between regional and local transit agencies’ advisory bodies.
blog.bayareametro.gov
November 20, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Beginning January 2026, the RNM Customer Advisory Group will adopt a new structure to better connect regional and local transit advisory bodies across the Bay Area.
A student/youth seat (ages 18–25) is now open. Applications due December 5, 2025.
blog.bayareametro.gov/posts/mtc-tr...
A student/youth seat (ages 18–25) is now open. Applications due December 5, 2025.
blog.bayareametro.gov/posts/mtc-tr...