San Mateo County to vote on proposed sales tax to relieve traffic congestion

The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors in California this week approved a ballot measure that will ask voters in November to approve a half-cent sales tax to fund a $2.4 billion plan aimed at relieving traffic congestion.

Earlier this month, the San Mateo County Transit District's (SamTrans) board approved an ordinance finalizing the San Mateo County Congestion Relief plan.

The plan reflects priorities identified during community outreach meetings, SamTrans officials said in a press release. The agency launched the "Get Us Moving" outreach campaign in December 2017.

Half of the proceeds from the new sales tax would go toward maintaining and enhancing rail, bus, paratransit and other public transit options in the county.

Another 10 percent would be used to better connect residents traveling from San Mateo County to neighboring counties with "new and enhanced transit options," SamTrans officials said.

The remaining funds would address highway congestion, local road upgrades and bicycle and pedestrian upgrades.