The San Francisco - Silicon Valley Commute via Tech Shuttle Bus

What a beautiful and useful map of the tech shuttle routes from San Francisco to Silicon Valley by local design firm Stamen.

Note: While beautiful, this map is getting old! See below for up-to-date info on the Commuter Shuttle Program.

In real estate terms, the impact of these private bus lines shuttling the Bay Area's tech workers from San Francisco to Silicon Valley is multi-faceted: 

• Building community for those on the bus,
• Increasing San Francisco home values along the routes,
• And decreasing traffic on the 101 and 280.

And, it must be said, some discontent amongst those neighbors who preferred their sleepy, MUNI-free blocks to remain void of large, luxury vans and buses.

Many Silicon Valley companies offer private buses to help their workers reduce commute stress and increase productivity. For the purposes of the map, Stamen chose to track the big hitters: Apple, eBay, Electronic Arts, Yahoo, Google, & Facebook. But I know that Genentech's bus is a big draw, too. Just ask my friends and clients from our HGTV House Hunters episode. Living two blocks from their shuttle stop had huge appeal for these San Francisco home buyers!

As a top San Francisco real estate agent, I work with a lot of folks from the tech industry.

It's not unusual for a client to bring me a map of their company's bus stops because living within walking distance is a non-negotiable for their new home.

This is true for listings too. Sellers will highlight the access of their home to the tech shuttle stops whether or not they use them personally. 

The Commuter Shuttle Program (Updated 2024)

Since most of you are commuting from the couch these days, it’s probably time we update our info on these tech shuttle buses you used to rely on! Back when we first shared the map of tech shuttle routes in San Francisco, the landscape of commuting was different.

These days, SF’s tech shuttle buses fall under the banner of the Commuter Shuttle Program, which regulates employer-provided shuttles and is overseen by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA).

Under the program, participating shuttles must follow specific rules, like using designated stops in shared Muni zones or shuttle-only white zones, and pay a fee per stop. It also helps reduce traffic congestion and emissions by cutting down on single-occupancy vehicle trips.

For those of you hopping on a shuttle (or thinking about buying a home near one), the program requires shuttles to have real-time GPS tracking, so no more guessing when your ride will arrive.

Find more details on the SFMTA website, including the:

• Commuter Shuttle Program page
• Commuter Shuttle Program Interactive Map
• And a regularly updated map PDF which you can download

The Google Bus (and the rest of the tech shuttles) get press. Some examples:

For the Google Bus and other SF to Silicon Valley tech shuttle buses:

• Noe Valley – Neighborhood of Choice for “Non-Suburban” Silicon Valley Professionals SFHotlist, February 21, 2012
  
• Yes, yes, Noe Valley, say eager S.F. home buyers San Francisco Chronicle, February 20, 2012

For The City From the Valley:

• Find a Private Shuttle Ride from SF to Silicon Valley on this Map
  KQED, September 27, 2012
• Where to catch the Google bus
  Per Square Mile, September 26, 2012
• Silcon Valley's high-tech bus commuter lines visualized
  Boing Boing, September 25, 2012
• Shuttle buses taking over Silicon Valley, awesome visualization shows
  VentureBeat, September 24, 2012
• Mapping Silicon Valley’s Own Private "iWay"
  All Things D, September 22, 2012
• Tech, art intersect at Zero1 Biennial
  SF Gate, September 19, 2012
• Visualising the hidden networks of Silicon Valley
  New Scientist CultureLab, September 17, 2012
• With Seeking Silicon Valley, Zero1 Biennial Explores Tech-Fueled Art
  Wired, August 28, 2012

Since you're here, is it wrong to assume you might want to buy a home in San Francisco?

Here are some helpful links where you can learn more and take your next steps to find the perfect fit for your needs and budget.

• Learn about San Francisco neighborhoods around the city.
• Learn more about Danielle Lazier Real Estate.
• Learn about getting pre-approved for a mortgage in SF.

If you've done your research and you think we're a good fit to help you buy or sell a home in San Francisco (or both!), let us know more about your situation by filling out our BUYER WORKSHEET or our SELLER WORKSHEET.

Graphic Map Source: http://stamen.com/zero1/

From Tech Shuttle Commutes to San Francisco Home Values

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