What is Transit Month, and how did we get here?

Public transportation is more than just a means of transportation.

Transit connects communities, increases mobility, maintains our healthy environment, and opens opportunities to discover something new. 

Transit Month celebrates the role of public transportation in our communities and California’s economic, social, and cultural vibrancy throughout September.

Throughout September, community-based organizations, transit agencies, professional and business organizations, and individuals host fun and educational events. 

Events include a wide range of activities but with the common aim of encouraging people to explore their region on public transit, building community, raising awareness about the importance of keeping California moving through public transit, and encouraging elected officials to support policies that improve public transit.

How did we get here?

2016

San Francisco Transit Riders hosts the very first Transit Week in San Francisco.

2018

San Francisco Transit Riders continues Transit Week, and Seamless Bay Area joins to co-host the first Rider First Awards Party.

2022

Led by San Francisco Transit Riders and Seamless Bay Area, Transit Month is expanded to the North Bay, South Bay, and Peninsula.

2023

The Transit Month Ride Contest is expanded.

2025

Transit Month is expanded to Southern California. California Transit Month is hosted by San Francisco Transit Riders, Seamless Bay Area, and MoveLA.

  • As the Bay Area’s leading transit history organization, Market Street Railway loves how Transit Month attracts new generations of riders to public transit. Through the many fun and engaging events, Transit Month renews the community of transit advocates and energizes activism for the public funding that transit needs to keep the Bay Area connected. We especially love co-sponsoring Muni Heritage Weekend, which attracts thousands from around the Bay to experience the same streetcar, cable car, and bus rides previous generations enjoyed.

    Rick Laubscher, Market Street Railway

  • Muni Run Club loved participating in Transit Month last year. We had our biggest event ever - where we ran MUNI worm logo Strava art in conjunction with SFMTA, and had over 65 people show up. We wouldn't have had this much exposure had it not been for Transit Month's reach online. We also got to do 3 of our planned routes - with a twist - 3 lucky winners got some Muni Merch, courtesy of Transit Month. Muni Run Club x Transit Month is as natural a partnership as it gets, and we're excited to be back this year with some fun events building community, running outside, and celebrating our favorite transit system.

    Akash Borde, Muni Run Club

  • I love that Transit Month is both a celebration of Bay Area transit and an invitation to ask - what's next? It gives all of us a chance to reconnect with why we love public transit and the communities it fosters through intentional exploration. It also creates a moment for us to pause, reflect, and imagine the future we want for transit, and the role each of us can play in building that future.

    Jac Resnik, COMMUNITY Magazine

  • Transit month was incredibly exciting last year - it encouraged our organization to think outside the box in terms of events. Our pop-up gallery allowed us to connect with several local transit artists, and we loved showcasing their work to the larger community. Community outreach is a pillar of our organization, and Transit Month gave us the opportunity to show what our organization does on a larger scale. We are excited to bring our bar crawl and pop-up gallery back, and can't wait to further engage with people who love transit just as much as we do.

    Indigo Rosenberg, Market Street Railway

California Transit Month is organized by: