Highlights in TransForm's History
September 1997
Twenty organizations come together to launch TransForm, initially known as the Bay Area Transportation and Land Use Coalition.
May 1998
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) agrees to TransForm's proposal to develop a regional smart growth strategy.
October 1998
After months of pressure from TransForm's regional coalition, MTC Commissioners reject their staff's proposed 1998 Regional Transportation Plan in favor of our regional coalition's recommendation to fully fund transit.
June 1999
Over 60 groups from across the Bay Area make a long-term commitment to working together towards a shared regional vision for transportation and land use.
January 2000
TransForm releases World-Class Transit for the Bay Area, a 120-page report showing exactly how to make the region's transportation system what it should be: extensive, reliable, and affordable for everyone. Every media outlet in the region covers it.
July 2000
After debating Governor Davis' administration twice on statewide TV, TransForm wins over $300 million for transit operations - stopping fare hikes and service reductions.
November 2000
TransForm brings together a diverse coalition in Alameda County to win a new transportation sales tax dedicating 80% of funds to public transit, paratransit, and bicycle/pedestrian safety. The tax passes with a record-breaking 81% vote!
December 2001
After a yearlong effort by TransForm's regional coalition, MTC adopts its 2001 Regional Transportation Plan with $27 million a year for promoting smart growth and affordable housing through the Transportation for Livable Communities and Housing Incentive Program.
Fall 2002
TransForm releases three major policy reports. Housing Shortage/Parking Surplus demonstrates how Silicon Valley can meet housing needs and address transportation problems through innovative parking policies. Revolutionizing Bay Area Transit...on a Budget outlines how a Bus Rapid Transit network can dramatically improve the speed and quality of public transit in the region. Roadblocks to Health: Transportation Barriers to Healthy Communities provides an analysis of and solutions to the transportation barriers faced by low-income communities in accessing health services.
March 2003
TransForm solidifies our reputation for cutting-edge policy work with the release of Transportation Injustice. The report's primary recommendation is adopted three months later by the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, stopping a proposed 21% cut in bus service.
March 2004
TransForm's regional coalition plays a leading role in developing Regional Measure 2, the one-dollar bridge toll increase to fund public transit. Its passage results in a massive expansion of rail, bus, and ferry services and includes a host of great programs, from the AllNighter (buses that run BART routes from 1am - 5am) to Safe Routes to Transit (grants to improve bicycle/pedestrian access to transit stations).
November 2004
TransForm brings together 39 groups around the passage of Contra Costa County's transportation sales tax proposal, winning significant funds for a smart growth and affordable housing incentive program (the first of its kind!), plus a Safe Transportation for Children program.
January 2005
TransForm distributes over 1,500 copies of Access Now! A Guide to Winning the Transportation Your Community Needs and trains over 400 people, mostly in low-income communities, on how to navigate and influence transportation decisions.
July 2005
After years of advocacy by TransForm, MTC establishes a first-in-the-nation policy requiring that cities plan for homes and transit-oriented development around new transit stations before receiving funding.
June 2006
The Great Communities Collaborative launches, bringing together four regional non-profits plus the San Francisco Foundation, East Bay Community Foundation, and Reconnecting America to work toward having half of all new Bay Area homes built by 2030 to be in walkable communities located near transit, jobs, and services with a mix of housing types for people of all incomes. TransForm coordinates the Collaborative, which engages local organizations, leaders, and residents in planning processes across the Bay Area.
August 2006
TransForm's TravelChoice pilot project in the City of Alameda achieves a 14% reduction in single-passenger vehicle trips by the 8,000+ participating residents.
May 2007
TransForm helps found ClimatePlan, a collaboration of organizations from throughout the state working to ensure that California's landmark global warming law, AB 32, yields strong transportation and land use policies.
September 2007
TransForm brings Safe Routes to Schools programs to over 30 schools in Alameda County, inspiring thousands more children to safely walk and bicycle to school.
August 2008
TransForm has a huge impact on the proposal for a high-speed train system in California, leading the effort to have the California High-Speed Rail Authority agree to power the train entirely with renewable energy. The Authority also agrees to fund community-based plans near future train stations, require bicycle and pedestrian access and supportive land uses, and protect important wetlands.
September 2008
After a yearlong effort by TransForm's regional coalition, MTC adopts a draft 2009 Regional Transportation Plan that doubles funding for its smart growth program and its program to ensure low-income communities have sufficient access to destinations like jobs and health care. It also commits $10 million per year to support a regional Safe Routes to Schools grant program.
