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
This week’s mobility and transportation headlines highlight the challenges and opportunities in making streets safer and cities more sustainable.
usa.streetsblog.org/2025/12/08/m...
usa.streetsblog.org/2025/12/08/m...
Monday's Headlines: Why Is Vision Zero Failing? — Streetsblog USA
If there really is a war on cars, the drivers are winning, according to a Washington Post investigation.
usa.streetsblog.org
December 10, 2025 at 9:02 PM
This week’s mobility and transportation headlines highlight the challenges and opportunities in making streets safer and cities more sustainable.
usa.streetsblog.org/2025/12/08/m...
usa.streetsblog.org/2025/12/08/m...
Oakland’s e-bike lending program is getting $800K from CalStart to cover costs and run for 4 more years. Low-income residents can rent e-bikes, helmets & locks for just $20/4 weeks—making sustainable, affordable transportation a reality.
oaklandside.org/2025/12/08/o...
oaklandside.org/2025/12/08/o...
Oakland receives $800K grant to boost e-bike program
The money will pay for Bikehub to maintain and rent out the bikes for four more years, and cover rising bicycle and insurance costs.
oaklandside.org
December 10, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Oakland’s e-bike lending program is getting $800K from CalStart to cover costs and run for 4 more years. Low-income residents can rent e-bikes, helmets & locks for just $20/4 weeks—making sustainable, affordable transportation a reality.
oaklandside.org/2025/12/08/o...
oaklandside.org/2025/12/08/o...
Caltrain riders: your voice matters! Caltrain is seeking volunteers to fill four seats on its Bicycle & Active Transportation Advisory Committee, which helps shape policies for commuters who use bikes, scooters, and other active transportation modes.
localnewsmatters.org/2025/12/07/c...
localnewsmatters.org/2025/12/07/c...
Caltrain looks for riders to help shape bike, scooter access to rail system - Local News Matters
Caltrain is inviting its riders to fill four seats on its committee that helps shape how commuters who use bikes, scooters, or other active transportation
localnewsmatters.org
December 9, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Caltrain riders: your voice matters! Caltrain is seeking volunteers to fill four seats on its Bicycle & Active Transportation Advisory Committee, which helps shape policies for commuters who use bikes, scooters, and other active transportation modes.
localnewsmatters.org/2025/12/07/c...
localnewsmatters.org/2025/12/07/c...
Adaptive reuse is booming in the Bay Area. In 2024, 25,000 apartments nationwide came from conversions, with ~3,000 units in San Jose, Oakland, SF & Alameda. Turning unused buildings into homes helps meet housing demand.
blog.bayareametro.gov/posts/report...
blog.bayareametro.gov/posts/report...
Report: several adaptive use projects in Bay Area bring new housing
After moderate gains and even some decreases in the years following the pandemic, the number of apartments resulting from converted buildings was close to 25,000 in 2024, 50% more than the units delivered the year before and double the figures in 2022.
blog.bayareametro.gov
December 9, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Adaptive reuse is booming in the Bay Area. In 2024, 25,000 apartments nationwide came from conversions, with ~3,000 units in San Jose, Oakland, SF & Alameda. Turning unused buildings into homes helps meet housing demand.
blog.bayareametro.gov/posts/report...
blog.bayareametro.gov/posts/report...
Are you a Caltrain rider who brings a bike or scooter onboard? Caltrain is filling 4 BATAC seats to improve access for riders who bike and roll. Open in SF, San Mateo & Santa Clara. Apply by January 2.
sf.streetsblog.org/2025/12/05/w...
sf.streetsblog.org/2025/12/05/w...
Weekend Roundup: Caltrain Bike Advisors, Advocates Reach out to Supervisor Wong... - Streetsblog San Francisco
...and Alameda wants your feedback on the Pacific Ave. greenway
sf.streetsblog.org
December 9, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Are you a Caltrain rider who brings a bike or scooter onboard? Caltrain is filling 4 BATAC seats to improve access for riders who bike and roll. Open in SF, San Mateo & Santa Clara. Apply by January 2.
sf.streetsblog.org/2025/12/05/w...
sf.streetsblog.org/2025/12/05/w...
Help shape the future of Santa Clara Street in Downtown San José! An in-person meeting will be held on December 10, 5:30–7 p.m. at City Hall (Wing Rooms 118-119) to review design concepts and gather community feedback.
www.sanjoseca.gov/your-governm...
www.sanjoseca.gov/your-governm...
Reimagining Santa Clara Street | City of San José
The Reimaging Santa Clara Street Project is an opportunity to make this critical downtown street better for everyone.
www.sanjoseca.gov
December 8, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Help shape the future of Santa Clara Street in Downtown San José! An in-person meeting will be held on December 10, 5:30–7 p.m. at City Hall (Wing Rooms 118-119) to review design concepts and gather community feedback.
www.sanjoseca.gov/your-governm...
www.sanjoseca.gov/your-governm...
FTA is awarding $2B+ to 165 transit agencies for new buses and upgrades. The Low-No program now favors diesel-electric hybrids and CNG buses over battery-electric.
www.planetizen.com/news/2025/11...
www.planetizen.com/news/2025/11...
USDOT Announces $2B in Grants for Transit Buses, Favoring Hybrids Over Electric Options
The new round of grants for buses and facility upgrades doesn’t include any for battery-electric buses, favoring instead diesel-electric hybrids and CNG buses.
www.planetizen.com
December 8, 2025 at 9:00 PM
FTA is awarding $2B+ to 165 transit agencies for new buses and upgrades. The Low-No program now favors diesel-electric hybrids and CNG buses over battery-electric.
www.planetizen.com/news/2025/11...
www.planetizen.com/news/2025/11...
Starting December 10, Bay Area riders can tap a debit or credit card to ride. A big win for convenience and ridership.
But to make it truly equitable, MTC must integrate discounts, add fare capping, and support unbanked riders.
transformca.org/pay-with-you...
But to make it truly equitable, MTC must integrate discounts, add fare capping, and support unbanked riders.
transformca.org/pay-with-you...
Pay With Your Credit Card Transit Starting December 10: What You Need to Know - Transform
Transit riders will be able to pay with a credit or debit card throughout the Bay Area starting December 10.
transformca.org
December 8, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Starting December 10, Bay Area riders can tap a debit or credit card to ride. A big win for convenience and ridership.
But to make it truly equitable, MTC must integrate discounts, add fare capping, and support unbanked riders.
transformca.org/pay-with-you...
But to make it truly equitable, MTC must integrate discounts, add fare capping, and support unbanked riders.
transformca.org/pay-with-you...
We say we like driving, but do we really? Human error causes 94% of U.S. auto deaths. Autonomous vehicles offer safer, more productive, and relaxing rides. Trust and fear of losing control are the real barriers, and experiencing AVs often changes that.
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mind...
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mind...
We Think We Love Driving (But We Don’t)
Studies show we overestimate how much we enjoy driving. In truth, most of us would prefer to use that time for something else.
www.psychologytoday.com
December 7, 2025 at 11:00 PM
We say we like driving, but do we really? Human error causes 94% of U.S. auto deaths. Autonomous vehicles offer safer, more productive, and relaxing rides. Trust and fear of losing control are the real barriers, and experiencing AVs often changes that.
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mind...
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mind...
When UC Berkeley grad Mingwei Samuel heard about an injured neighbor forced to sit on the curb, he biked a handmade bench to the stop. That act sparked the SFBA Bench Collective, now 200-strong, installing 130+ benches to make transit more accessible.
www.dailycal.org/news/city/tr...
www.dailycal.org/news/city/tr...
Grassroots bench collective fills seating gaps at Bay Area transit stops
When UC Berkeley graduate Mingwei Samuel heard about an injured neighbor who was forced to sit on the curb while waiting for the bus, he strapped a handmade bench to
www.dailycal.org
December 7, 2025 at 9:00 PM
When UC Berkeley grad Mingwei Samuel heard about an injured neighbor forced to sit on the curb, he biked a handmade bench to the stop. That act sparked the SFBA Bench Collective, now 200-strong, installing 130+ benches to make transit more accessible.
www.dailycal.org/news/city/tr...
www.dailycal.org/news/city/tr...
Avenida de Altares showed East San José’s joy, resilience, and community spirit. Transform partnered with the School of Arts and Culture to understand how people traveled and what barriers they faced.
transformca.org/walking-with...
transformca.org/walking-with...
Walking with the Dead: Avenida de Altares - Transform
Transform helped residents get to San Jose's Avenida de Altares by transit and on foot, making the celebration more sustainable.
transformca.org
December 7, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Avenida de Altares showed East San José’s joy, resilience, and community spirit. Transform partnered with the School of Arts and Culture to understand how people traveled and what barriers they faced.
transformca.org/walking-with...
transformca.org/walking-with...
The U.S. is off track on transportation emissions. Studies show electrification alone isn’t enough. Reducing road capacity and car dependency is key, and reimagining streets can cut emissions while improving urban life.
usa.streetsblog.org/2025/12/02/o...
usa.streetsblog.org/2025/12/02/o...
Opinion: One Less Lane Ought To Fix It — Streetsblog USA
Federal inaction means states must lead on reducing emissions — but their reluctance to reallocate road space for cars may doom climate goals.
usa.streetsblog.org
December 6, 2025 at 11:00 PM
The U.S. is off track on transportation emissions. Studies show electrification alone isn’t enough. Reducing road capacity and car dependency is key, and reimagining streets can cut emissions while improving urban life.
usa.streetsblog.org/2025/12/02/o...
usa.streetsblog.org/2025/12/02/o...
Featuring Tony Jordan, President of the Parking Reform Network, discussing car-free living, parking policies, and Donald Shoup’s legacy.
usa.streetsblog.org/2025/12/04/t...
usa.streetsblog.org/2025/12/04/t...
Talking Headways Podcast: The (Parking) Reformation — Streetsblog USA
Tony Jordan, president of the Parking Reform Network, discusses getting rid of our cars, parking policy, and Donald Shoup’s legacy.
usa.streetsblog.org
December 6, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Featuring Tony Jordan, President of the Parking Reform Network, discussing car-free living, parking policies, and Donald Shoup’s legacy.
usa.streetsblog.org/2025/12/04/t...
usa.streetsblog.org/2025/12/04/t...
Meet our new Executive Director, Zack! Hear what’s coming in 2026. Register now – first 50 guests get a free drink!
luma.com/xe568uai
luma.com/xe568uai
Transform Happy Hour with our New Executive Director · Luma
Join Transform staff, board, and alumni as we welcome Transform's new Executive Director, Zack Deutsch-Gross. Come meet Transform's new leadership, mingle with…
luma.com
December 6, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Meet our new Executive Director, Zack! Hear what’s coming in 2026. Register now – first 50 guests get a free drink!
luma.com/xe568uai
luma.com/xe568uai
Big news for Bay Area riders! Clipper’s next-gen upgrade launches Dec. 10 with instant fund loading, discounted transfers, contactless pay, family accounts, and online youth/senior applications. Upgrade early at clippercard.com/.
www.kqed.org/news/1206571...
www.kqed.org/news/1206571...
Clipper Cards Are Getting a Major Upgrade, With Big Perks for Riders | KQED
Next generation Clipper, or Clipper 2.0, rolls out Dec. 10 with improved features like discounted transfers and instant fund availability. Here’s how to get set up.
www.kqed.org
December 5, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Big news for Bay Area riders! Clipper’s next-gen upgrade launches Dec. 10 with instant fund loading, discounted transfers, contactless pay, family accounts, and online youth/senior applications. Upgrade early at clippercard.com/.
www.kqed.org/news/1206571...
www.kqed.org/news/1206571...
Welcome to California’s highway industrial complex: a system that pours billions into policies that make congestion, pollution, and inequity worse, while calling it progress.
cal.streetsblog.org/2025/12/03/d...
cal.streetsblog.org/2025/12/03/d...
Displacement and Dollars Down the Drain: The Data Behind California’s Highway Expansion Crisis - Streetsblog California
The following post first appeared at the Greenlining Institute’s blog. Yesenia Perez is the Institute’s Sr. Program Manager for Climate Equity. For nearly 70 years, highway agencies across the United States have operated mainly behind closed doors — widening roads, displacing communities, and spending billions in public funds with almost no transparency or accountability. Highway…
cal.streetsblog.org
December 5, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Welcome to California’s highway industrial complex: a system that pours billions into policies that make congestion, pollution, and inequity worse, while calling it progress.
cal.streetsblog.org/2025/12/03/d...
cal.streetsblog.org/2025/12/03/d...
A new Menlo Park ballot measure could block 345+ affordable homes by prioritizing parking over people. Transform strongly opposes this regressive effort that delays housing, hurts transit & risks becoming a playbook for blocking affordable homes statewide.
transformca.org/transform-op...
transformca.org/transform-op...
Transform Opposes Anti-Housing Measure in Menlo Park - Transform
A citizen initiative in Menlo Park threatens the future of affordable housing, prioritizing car storage over homes for families.
transformca.org
December 5, 2025 at 5:00 PM
A new Menlo Park ballot measure could block 345+ affordable homes by prioritizing parking over people. Transform strongly opposes this regressive effort that delays housing, hurts transit & risks becoming a playbook for blocking affordable homes statewide.
transformca.org/transform-op...
transformca.org/transform-op...
Nearly 16M Americans live in households without a car, and over a third cannot count on reliable vehicle access.
NRDC says it’s time to invest in safe, affordable options for walking, biking, and transit, because owning a car shouldn’t be the norm.
www.nrdc.org/press-releas...
NRDC says it’s time to invest in safe, affordable options for walking, biking, and transit, because owning a car shouldn’t be the norm.
www.nrdc.org/press-releas...
16 Million Americans Do Not Have Access to a Car
A new analysis from NRDC finds that millions of Americans cannot rely upon a vehicle for their daily transportation needs. ...
www.nrdc.org
December 4, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Nearly 16M Americans live in households without a car, and over a third cannot count on reliable vehicle access.
NRDC says it’s time to invest in safe, affordable options for walking, biking, and transit, because owning a car shouldn’t be the norm.
www.nrdc.org/press-releas...
NRDC says it’s time to invest in safe, affordable options for walking, biking, and transit, because owning a car shouldn’t be the norm.
www.nrdc.org/press-releas...
Millbrae is shaping the future of mobility.
Plans are underway to transform its transit station into a world-class multimodal hub, connecting Caltrain, BART, future high-speed rail, and seamless local travel.
www.smdailyjournal.com/news/local/m...
Plans are underway to transform its transit station into a world-class multimodal hub, connecting Caltrain, BART, future high-speed rail, and seamless local travel.
www.smdailyjournal.com/news/local/m...
Millbrae begins plans for multimodal transit station development
Millbrae is working on plans to develop its transit station — which currently allows passengers to connect to Caltrain and BART rides, with future intentions for a future high-speed rail
www.smdailyjournal.com
December 4, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Millbrae is shaping the future of mobility.
Plans are underway to transform its transit station into a world-class multimodal hub, connecting Caltrain, BART, future high-speed rail, and seamless local travel.
www.smdailyjournal.com/news/local/m...
Plans are underway to transform its transit station into a world-class multimodal hub, connecting Caltrain, BART, future high-speed rail, and seamless local travel.
www.smdailyjournal.com/news/local/m...
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...