San Mateo County Transit District's Jim Hartnett on Future of Transit Safety and Bicycling

Peninsula native and Redwood City resident Jim Hartnett is the General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of the San Mateo County Transit District, a title he has held now for four months.Though new to the job, he is not new to transportation here in Silicon Valley, having served for many years on the board of directors for the District, Caltrain, and California High Speed Rail Authority. He also served 15 years on the Redwood City City Council, including terms as mayor and vice mayor.He is one of the highlighted speakers at the 5th Annual Silicon Valley Bicycle Summit, hosted by SVBC presenting sponsor, Stanford Healthcare on Wednesday, August 26 at the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center in Palo Alto.The future of safety and bicycling in San Mateo County are key issues for the Summit, and Jim took the time to answer some questions about these issues from us in advance of Aug. 26.What are the top priorities and projects for the San Mateo County Transit District and the agencies that you lead?Long-term financial sustainability for both Caltrain and SamTrans are a top priority. Caltrain is one of the only transit systems in the country that does not have its own dedicated, permanent source of revenue. SamTrans’ financial uncertainty inhibits its ability to do more and expand the reach of its mobility options.What do you see as the role of your agencies in promoting bicycling and walking in San Mateo County?The San Mateo County Transit District defines itself as a leader in mobility management, not only a provider but a catalyst for improved transportation options, including biking and walking. We take a holistic approach to transportation. The San Mateo County Transportation Authority is a significant investor in bike and pedestrian projects and countywide programs.What are the potential benefits of convening so many cities and transit agencies at the Silicon Valley Bike Summit on August 26?We don’t travel in isolation and most of us don’t limit our travels to one county or to a single transit system. We must work together and this kind of conversation promotes collaboration and innovation.What are you hoping that you and your staff will get out of the Silicon Valley Bike Summit?New ideas, fresh energy for old ideas, an expansion of public support for our essential initiatives, particularly those that will require a vote by the public.How do you see the future of transportation on the Peninsula?The future of transportation has to bring to bear all options to reduce congestion, reduce our carbon footprint, enhance the quality of life and encourage continuing economic vitality. Transportation is one of the few things in our world that can do all of this. But none of this will happen unless we secure the financial future of SamTrans and Caltrain.What was your first bike growing up?The first one I remember as a purchased bike – not a hand-me-down -- was a 3-speed Schwinn purchased at the bike shop on James Avenue near the railroad tracks. The bike shop is gone and Sequoia Station is in its place.The Silicon Valley Bike Summit is the region’s largest gathering of active transportation leaders and organizers from government, law enforcement, non-profit, and the public. Join us to hear fresh ideas about the future of safety and bicycling in Silicon Valley and mingle with colleagues and friends at a post-summit happy hour. Registration is $35, sign up today!