SamTrans seeking Coastside public board member

NOTE: SamTrans buses are a vital part of the Coastside’s infrastructure. This position is a very important one for our community.

The San Mateo County Transit District Board of Directors is seeking applicants to fill the Coastside Public Member seat on its board that will become vacant Dec. 31. 
 
The board sets policy for the District, which is responsible for the countywide SamTrans bus service and paratransit service for people who are not able to ride regular fixed-route service.  The District also operates a network of shuttles that connect rail lines to major employment sites and is involved in the Grand Boulevard Initiative as well as transit-oriented development. 
 
The public member must be a resident of the San Mateo County coastal region.  Public members are appointed to represent the diverse residents of the county and cannot be elected officials or have served as an elected official within the previous 12 months. This seat will be appointed by six members of the SamTrans board – the three members appointed by the Board of Supervisors and the three members appointed by the City Selection Committee.  This appointment will have a four-year term, expiring at the end of 2014.
 
The board consists of nine members: three members who are appointed by the Board of Supervisors, two of whom are members of the Board of Supervisors and one who possesses expertise in the field of transportation; three members appointed by the Cities Selection Committee, who are council members representing the northern, central and southern portions of the county; and three public members, one of whom is a coastside resident.  The Board and its committees meet the second Wednesday of the month at 2 p.m.
 
The deadline for submitting an application is Nov. 8.  The application is available online or by calling 650-508-6242.