MARCH 2026

BRIDGE TRAFFIC AND TRANSIT RIDERSHIP UPDATE

Travel in the Golden Gate Corridor by Bridge, Bus, and Ferry remains well below pre-pandemic levels. Thankfully, overall travel in the Golden Gate Corridor continues to trend upward.
In February 2026, southbound Bridge traffic was about 4 percent above February 2025 traffic, Bus ridership was 2 percent above February 2025, and Ferry ridership was 21 percent above February 2025 ridership.
Today, during the morning southbound commute, Bridge traffic is still down about 25 percent compared to pre-pandemic traffic. Less Bridge traffic results in less toll funding available to operate the District’s bus and ferry service. Accordingly, staff are focused on reducing costs while providing first-class service for travelers in the Golden Gate Corridor.
February 2026 traffic and transit ridership statistics are below:

MASCOTS SERVICE CHANGES EFFECTIVE APRIL 12

On April 12, 2026, Golden Gate Transit will introduce service changes designed to make trips along the Highway 101 corridor easier and more convenient. As part of the Marin-Sonoma Coordinated Transit Services (MASCOTS) plan, Golden Gate Transit bus service will increase between San Rafael and San Francisco, and schedules will be better coordinated with partner agencies, including SMART and Marin Transit, to improve connections and travel options for riders to Sonoma County and within Marin County. MASCOTS is a regional effort by nine transit and funding agencies to improve public transit in the Highway 101 corridor.
MASCOTS service changes effective April 12, 2026 include:
  • More frequent SMART service that runs earlier in the morning, later in the evening, and fills midday service gaps.
  • Increased Route 101 express service between San Rafael and San Francisco. Route 101 will run every 30 minutes all day and every 15 minutes during weekday peak periods, roughly doubling previous service levels.
  • Route 101 between Novato and Santa Rosa will be replaced by increased SMART train service. Sonoma County riders can make connections to Golden Gate Transit or Ferry in Marin County to get to San Francisco.
  • Route 120 replaces Routes 130 and 150 in south­ern Marin, starting at Strawberry Village and going to San Francisco via Sausalito every 30 minutes most of the day, with timed connections to/from Marin Transit Route 71 at Marin City. 
  • Streamlined commute bus service in Sonoma County into a single alignment with higher frequency and additional trips. Route 172 has buses running every 20-30 minutes during peak periods.
  • Faster and more direct Route 580 trips with express service from Bellam Blvd. to Pt. Richmond, and more trips are added.
READ MORE ABOUT THE MASCOTS SERVICE CHANGES

CELEBRATING EARTH DAY ON APRIL 22

Earth Day is April 22, 2026, and Golden Gate Transit and Ferry are encouraging customers to take transit to improve the health of our planet and communities. In addition to sharing the benefits of riding transit with our customers, Golden Gate Ferry is inviting Bay Area elementary schools to celebrate Earth Day with a unique on-the-water adventure. In April, classes can reserve a complimentary round-trip ferry ride across the Bay, while students adorn the ferry cabin with their pre-made Earth Day artwork. This hands-on experience offers children an unforgettable field trip while learning about the wonders of the Bay and creating their own art show for Ferry passengers. To participate, pre-k to third grade educators are encouraged to select a preferred date and trip time from the available schedules and register at least two weeks in advance by contacting cmartinez@goldengate.org.
READ MORE ABOUT EARTH DAY ACTIVITIES
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Congratulations to the March 2026 Employee of the Month:
Director of Engineering Contracts in the District Division, 
Melissa Martin!
Melissa is recognized as a true teammate who consistently supports others and goes above and beyond to help the team succeed. If anyone needs assistance and she can help, she does so with patience, professionalism, and humor. Her colleagues consistently describe her as intelligent, warm, kind, and collaborative with a wonderful sense of humor. She exemplifies the District’s core values of integrity, respect, inclusion, and teamwork, and her professionalism and generosity of knowledge strengthen the entire department.
Melissa joined the District in 2020 as an Engineering Contracts Assistant, was promoted to Senior Engineering Contracts Assistant in 2022, and promoted to her current role in 2025. Prior to joining the District, she worked as the Compliance Officer at Mission Economic Development Agency.
Melissa was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and attended San Francisco State University, where she received a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Corporate Finance. She has been a resident of Burlingame since 2019 and is the proud parent of one son, Chris. Melissa enjoys traveling with her son, exploring new cuisines, and practicing yoga. She is also the proud owner of a French Bulldog named Maple.
READ MORE ABOUT MELISSA ON PAGE 17 OF THE GM'S REPORT

EMPLOYEES ON THE MOVE

(Thank you to Human Resources for providing this information.) 
February Retirements:
Todd Leitsch - Ferry Maintenance Manager
Rui Min Li - Bus Operator
Misael Monter-Primera - Bus Operator
Angela Washington - Bus Operator
March Service Awards:
 Edwin Low - Terminal Assistant - 35 Years
Karen Buchanan - Worker’s Compensation & Liability Claim Administrator - 30 Years
Denis Mulligan - General Manager - 25 Years
Michael Schulze - Building and Maintenance Mechanic - 25 Years
Fred Mixon - Paint Superintendent - 15 Years
Edward Fong - Senior Desktop System Administrator - 10 Years
Santino Pasquini - Bridge Painter Apprentice - 10 Years
Peter Pomies - Electronic Technician Mechanic - 10 Years
Robert Valdez - Chief Bridge Painter - 10 Years

BOARD OF DIRECTORS' MARCH ACTIONS

● Click here for the General Manager's Report
● Click here for the Summary of Actions
● Staff Reports - Click Here and Scroll Down to Read Each Report
- Report of the District Engineer
- Award of Contract for Aspen Boom Lift Rental Services
- Award of Contract for Liwa Vessel 1 and 2 Engines, Gearboxes, Drivelines, and Waterjet Propulsion Systems
- First Amendment to the Interagency Agreement with Marin Transit for Local Fixed-Route Bus Service
- Monthly Report on Bridge Traffic, Transit Ridership Trends, and Transit Service Performance
- Ratification of Previous Actions by the Auditor-Controller
- Actions Relative to the Annual Review of Rule XI, Investment Policy
- Receive the Independent Auditor's Communication for the Annual Financial Audit and Single Audit for FY 25/26
- Status Report on the FY 25/26 Budget
- Monthly Review of Golden Gate Bridge Traffic/Tolls and Bus and Ferry Transit Patronage/Fares
- Monthly Review of Revenues and Expenses (+ Capital Programs)
Upcoming Meetings: 
April 23:
Committee Meetings: (9 a.m.) Transportation, Building and Operating, Finance. 
April 24:
Committee Meetings: (9 a.m.) Rules, (10 a.m.) Board of Directors.
SEE ALL BOARD MEETING SUMMARIES HERE
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Cell: 415-629-9999 (text is best)
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Golden Gate Bridge Highway & Transportation District
Golden Gate Bridge Highway & Transportation District
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