The Third Phase of Slow Streets Rolls Out a Network

The Third Phase of Slow Streets Rolls Out a Network
By Benjamin Barnett

We are very excited to be moving forward with the third phase Slow Streets, which will connect new and existing Slow Streets together into a network that allows most San Franciscans to be able to access essential services and employment without being reliant on either a car or Muni.

With Muni’s reduced capacity due to COVID-19 physical distancing, an additional 30 percent of service on hold due to financial challenges, and congestion already reaching peak pre-COVID levels, Slow Streets and our bicycling network are key to supporting people getting where they need to go.

“In order to support further reopening of the economy, we need to make San Francisco more welcoming and accessible for people who want to travel on foot, bicycle, wheelchair, scooter, skateboard or other forms of micromobility,” said Jeffrey Tumlin, SFMTA Director of Transportation. “Slow Streets are critical infrastructure that attracts users of the full array of neighborhood demographics—including children, older adults, people with disabilities and people of color.”

Slow Streets have been wildly successful, and survey data indicates an 80 percent approval rating. The next phase of our Slow Streets program is now being reviewed and approved so we can expand the popular program more broadly across our city and make it accessible to all.

Traveling by car may feel more enticing in the COVID-19 era but driving takes up ten times as much space per person compared to travel by walking, biking and other modes. In addition, approximately one in ten car trips in San Francisco are under a mile and 46 percent are less than three miles – trips that for many are prime to be done in other ways given comfortable space. Taking short trips to neighborhood business corridors on foot or by bike is also a great way to support our local economy during these difficult economic times for small business.

Pending approval, the proposed Phase Three Slow Streets would install temporary barricades and signage at designated intersections along the following additional corridors:

• 20th Street from San Bruno to Pennsylvania avenues
• Arkansas from 23rd to 17th streets
• Arlington from Roanoke to Randall streets
• Cabrillo Street from 45th to 23rd avenues
• Cayuga Avenue from Naglee Avenue to Rousseau Street
• Clay Street from Arguello Boulevard to Steiner Street
• Duncan Street from Diamond Heights Boulevard to Tiffany Avenue
• Holly Park Circle
• Mariposa from Texas to Mississippi streets
• Minnesota from Mariposa to 22nd streets
• Noe Street from 23rd to Duboce streets
• Pacific Avenue from Steiner to Gough streets
• Pierce from Hayes to Duboce streets
• Tompkins Avenue from Andover Street to Peralta Avenue

Map of currently implemented and proposed Phase 3 Slow Streets along with a Shared Spaces street closure. Also included is our bike network highlighting separated bikeways, approved projects and those in the design pipeline.

We’re also interested in making sure all San Franciscans--particularly children from low income families--have access to open space. That’s why we’re extending the 30 Stockton to Crissy Field and creating a continuous, family-friendly path from the Panhandle to the Zoo. We are grateful for the support of Rec & Park for helping us allocate space in Golden Gate Park so that more San Franciscans can safely access open space, especially given the unique COVID-19 transmission science.

“Having room to safely exercise outdoors is critical for our mental and physical health,” said San Francisco Recreation and Park Department General Manager Phil Ginsburg, "Golden Gate Park is an oasis for socially distant recreation and I am thrilled this phase of Slow Streets extend a car-free path of travel all the way to the ocean.”

Shared Spaces

Our map also highlights two full street closures in final review as a part of the Shared Spaces program. This program allows businesses, merchant groups and community organizations to apply to open streets to support business activities as part of COVID-19 economic recovery. This includes full street closures or changes like repurposing parking in front of a business. Some possible uses include outdoor seating for cafes and restaurants, retail displays, or sales and service offerings.

Starting this Saturday, July 18, Grant Avenue between California and Washington streets in Chinatown is to be open for community activity on weekends from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. There are more Shared Spaces applications being analyzed throughout the city and we will continue to support local business activities through this innovative program.

What’s Next?

We’ve been tailoring our approaches to the needs of each neighborhood and supervisorial district. In District 3, for example, we’ve been focused on Shared Spaces to help merchants and restoration of Muni service to neighborhoods with the highest transit demand in the city. In Bayview, Hunters Point, and Visitacion Valley in District 10, we’ve been focused not only on restoring pre-COVID Muni service, but also in-service transit improvements to neighborhoods most lacking in local services, and in the greatest need of access to employment and other opportunities.

Slow Streets Project Background

Within weeks of the mayor’s declaration of shelter-in-place directive, the SFMTA began planning for and implementing temporary emergency Slow Streets to provide additional space for physical distancing during essential active transportation trips. These Slow Streets were approved through the city’s emergency operation command system, including review from other agencies across the city, and with an emergency statutory exemption under CEQA. They were implemented with temporary barricades and signage at designated intersections to identify the street as a shared space for vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians.

The Slow Streets Program is intended to allow roadways to be used as a shared space for foot and bicycle traffic with adequate space for travelers to maintain six-foot separation. This space is needed for essential walk and bike travel while transit service levels are temporarily reduced. Vehicle traffic is allowed on these streets but is limited to local traffic (e.g. access for residents and visitors of residents), mail, delivery services and emergency vehicle access. Collectively, the bicycle network, Slow Streets, Shared Spaces, and our existing sidewalk system provides more options for many.

Slow Streets don’t work everywhere. Successful Slow Streets generally have these qualities:

• Approximately 6-8 blocks long
• No more than two lanes, preferably one in each direction
• Residential areas
• Mostly flat
• Connections to bike lanes and parks
• Stop sign-controlled intersections, 4-way stops are best
• No Muni, commercial loading or emergency route conflicts

Slow Streets does not legally change the designation of the public right-of-way; people walking or running in the street are allowed to be in the street as the California Vehicle Code currently permits, but people walking or running are required to yield to vehicular traffic.

Slow Streets are for essential trips, not neighborhood gathering points. We also encourage everyone to follow current health guidelines, bring a face covering and maintain proper physical distance from people outside their households. 

For updates, additional information and to provide input on the SFMTA’s Slow Street Program, visit the program webpage at SFMTA.com/SlowStreets. Please also visit SFMTA.com/COVID19 for the latest agency updates about our COVID-19 response. 

Published July 17, 2020 at 02:00AM
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The Third Phase of Slow Streets Rolls Out a Network

The Third Phase of Slow Streets Rolls Out a Network
By Phillip Pierce

We are very excited to be moving forward with the third phase Slow Streets, which will connect new and existing Slow Streets together into a network that allows most San Franciscans to be able to access essential services and employment without being reliant on either a car or Muni.

With Muni’s reduced capacity due to COVID-19 physical distancing, an additional 30 percent of service on hold due to financial challenges, and congestion already reaching peak pre-COVID levels, Slow Streets and our bicycling network are key to supporting people getting where they need to go.

“In order to support further reopening of the economy, we need to make San Francisco more welcoming and accessible for people who want to travel on foot, bicycle, wheelchair, scooter, skateboard or other forms of micromobility,” said Jeffrey Tumlin, SFMTA Director of Transportation. “Slow Streets are critical infrastructure that attracts users of the full array of neighborhood demographics—including children, older adults, people with disabilities and people of color.”

Slow Streets have been wildly successful, and survey data indicates an 80 percent approval rating. The next phase of our Slow Streets program is now being reviewed and approved so we can expand the popular program more broadly across our city and make it accessible to all.

Traveling by car may feel more enticing in the COVID-19 era but driving takes up ten times as much space per person compared to travel by walking, biking and other modes. In addition, approximately one in ten car trips in San Francisco are under a mile and 46 percent are less than three miles – trips that for many are prime to be done in other ways given comfortable space. Taking short trips to neighborhood business corridors on foot or by bike is also a great way to support our local economy during these difficult economic times for small business.

Pending approval, the proposed Phase Three Slow Streets would install temporary barricades and signage at designated intersections along the following additional corridors:

• 20th Street from San Bruno to Pennsylvania avenues
• Arkansas from 23rd to 17th streets
• Arlington from Roanoke to Randall streets
• Cabrillo Street from 45th to 23rd avenues
• Cayuga Avenue from Naglee Avenue to Rousseau Street
• Clay Street from Arguello Boulevard to Steiner Street
• Duncan Street from Diamond Heights Boulevard to Tiffany Avenue
• Holly Park Circle
• Mariposa from Texas to Mississippi streets
• Minnesota from Mariposa to 22nd streets
• Noe Street from 23rd to Duboce streets
• Pacific Avenue from Steiner to Gough streets
• Pierce from Hayes to Duboce streets
• Tompkins Avenue from Andover Street to Peralta Avenue

Map of currently implemented and proposed Phase 3 Slow Streets along with a Shared Spaces street closure. Also included is our bike network highlighting separated bikeways, approved projects and those in the design pipeline.

We’re also interested in making sure all San Franciscans--particularly children from low income families--have access to open space. That’s why we’re extending the 30 Stockton to Crissy Field and creating a continuous, family-friendly path from the Panhandle to the Zoo. We are grateful for the support of Rec & Park for helping us allocate space in Golden Gate Park so that more San Franciscans can safely access open space, especially given the unique COVID-19 transmission science.

“Having room to safely exercise outdoors is critical for our mental and physical health,” said San Francisco Recreation and Park Department General Manager Phil Ginsburg, "Golden Gate Park is an oasis for socially distant recreation and I am thrilled this phase of Slow Streets extend a car-free path of travel all the way to the ocean.”

Shared Spaces

Our map also highlights two full street closures in final review as a part of the Shared Spaces program. This program allows businesses, merchant groups and community organizations to apply to open streets to support business activities as part of COVID-19 economic recovery. This includes full street closures or changes like repurposing parking in front of a business. Some possible uses include outdoor seating for cafes and restaurants, retail displays, or sales and service offerings.

Starting this Saturday, July 18, Grant Avenue between California and Washington streets in Chinatown is to be open for community activity on weekends from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. There are more Shared Spaces applications being analyzed throughout the city and we will continue to support local business activities through this innovative program.

What’s Next?

We’ve been tailoring our approaches to the needs of each neighborhood and supervisorial district. In District 3, for example, we’ve been focused on Shared Spaces to help merchants and restoration of Muni service to neighborhoods with the highest transit demand in the city. In Bayview, Hunters Point, and Visitacion Valley in District 10, we’ve been focused not only on restoring pre-COVID Muni service, but also in-service transit improvements to neighborhoods most lacking in local services, and in the greatest need of access to employment and other opportunities.

Slow Streets Project Background

Within weeks of the mayor’s declaration of shelter-in-place directive, the SFMTA began planning for and implementing temporary emergency Slow Streets to provide additional space for physical distancing during essential active transportation trips. These Slow Streets were approved through the city’s emergency operation command system, including review from other agencies across the city, and with an emergency statutory exemption under CEQA. They were implemented with temporary barricades and signage at designated intersections to identify the street as a shared space for vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians.

The Slow Streets Program is intended to allow roadways to be used as a shared space for foot and bicycle traffic with adequate space for travelers to maintain six-foot separation. This space is needed for essential walk and bike travel while transit service levels are temporarily reduced. Vehicle traffic is allowed on these streets but is limited to local traffic (e.g. access for residents and visitors of residents), mail, delivery services and emergency vehicle access. Collectively, the bicycle network, Slow Streets, Shared Spaces, and our existing sidewalk system provides more options for many.

Slow Streets don’t work everywhere. Successful Slow Streets generally have these qualities:

• Approximately 6-8 blocks long
• No more than two lanes, preferably one in each direction
• Residential areas
• Mostly flat
• Connections to bike lanes and parks
• Stop sign-controlled intersections, 4-way stops are best
• No Muni, commercial loading or emergency route conflicts

Slow Streets does not legally change the designation of the public right-of-way; people walking or running in the street are allowed to be in the street as the California Vehicle Code currently permits, but people walking or running are required to yield to vehicular traffic.

Slow Streets are for essential trips, not neighborhood gathering points. We also encourage everyone to follow current health guidelines, bring a face covering and maintain proper physical distance from people outside their households. 

For updates, additional information and to provide input on the SFMTA’s Slow Street Program, visit the program webpage at SFMTA.com/SlowStreets. Please also visit SFMTA.com/COVID19 for the latest agency updates about our COVID-19 response. 

Published July 17, 2020 at 02:00AM
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New Muni Metro Map Debuts to Support Major Railway Changes in August

New Muni Metro Map Debuts to Support Major Railway Changes in August
By Jeanne Brophy

As part of the Muni service changes scheduled for August we’ve moved forward with applying the upcoming changes to the Muni Metro system map to provide a visual reference.

As a temporary emergency measure, the L Taraval and K Ingleside will become one line at West Portal. This practice, known as “interlining” in transportation planning, will result in a new line; the LK Taraval-Ingleside. The line will no longer enter the subway at West Portal station and, as a result, West Portal will become a significant transfer point.

The LK Taraval-Ingleside route will run on the surface between the SF Zoo and City College at Balboa Park Station. At West Portal, LK Taraval-Ingleside customers traveling to points downtown will exit the train on the surface at West Portal and Ulloa and enter the station to transfer to the new temporary TM Third-Ocean View line or S Shuttle. Customers transferring from the subway will be directed towards the L-portion (westbound) or the K-portion (eastbound).

Other changes you see in the map include:

• The LK Taraval-Ingleside line will use one color to ensure customers understand that the journey from the SF Zoo to Balboa Park can be completed without changing trains.   
• Accessible transfer stops are highlighted with black outlines.
• Church Street Station will be the new transfer point for the J Church. Customers will disembark on Market St. and go underground to transfer to the subway for points downtown or exit the subway to the street to head towards Balboa Park.
• The TM Third-Ocean View line will also be combined however, instead of using one color it is still split into two colors to indicate that eventually the T Third will join the new Central Subway.
• New frequent service with the S Shuttle is now indicated on the map to highlight its availability in the system.  
• BART connections have been included as part of the city rail network given that customers also make use of the service and allows for an alternate transportation choice for quick trips within the city, along with its regional transportation role.

We are interested in hearing from you on these new, temporary system changes. We will work with the community to evaluate and make any adjustments that are needed to the temporary configuration based on public feedback and data monitoring. Please use our feedback form and tell us what you think.

Published July 14, 2020 at 11:13PM
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The Future of Transit Service Through the Health and Budget Crisis

The Future of Transit Service Through the Health and Budget Crisis
By Jeffrey Tumlin

The pandemic has upended every aspect of our society, and the SFMTA is no exception. The COVID-related health and financial crises have resulted in deep and painful cuts to Muni service. We will be draining our fund reserve and spending one-time money just to sustain the service we have. Absent new outside funding, we fall off a financial cliff in 2023, just as the city needs us the most to support its economic recovery. As your Director of Transportation, I want to be open and transparent about how we got here and what it means for you.

When I took this job six months ago, our mobility systems were strong but inefficient, the result of too many years of avoiding hard or politically unpopular choices. This crisis has now forced us to make those hard choices. It has also demonstrated the SFMTA workforce’s depth of talent and creativity, and its capacity for collaboration and strategic risk-taking. The effects of this crisis will continue for years, and so I’m pushing all of us to learn from our successes and failures. Our approach is simple: be thoughtful and strategic and try new things without fear; listen carefully to feedback;  quickly adjust what we are doing if it is not working; and, build upon the experiments that succeed.

Pandemic’s Impact

At the pandemic’s onset, health concerns among our drivers and front-line workers coupled with a massive drop in ridership and fare revenue necessitated that we cut back Muni service dramatically. To help fill in the transit service gaps, our agency has rapidly rolled out new programs and promoted existing programs to respond to the need of San Franciscans for additional mobility options:

• Slow Streets, expanding spaces for walking, cycling and playing;
• The new Essential Trip Card that helps many people with disabilities and older adults access discounted taxi rides;
• The Department of the Environment’s Essential Worker Ride Home program, and
• The Shop-a-Round subsidized taxi ride to help seniors and people with disabilities get to and from the grocery store.

Because of the financial impact of COVID-19 on so many San Franciscans, the SFMTA, the mayor and the Board of Supervisors came together and agreed not raise transit fares for the coming two years. However, this decision contributes to our dire financial outlook and requires tough tradeoffs about which services the agency can continue to provide or how quickly we can provide them. 

The combined pandemic and financial crisis mean the SFMTA must do more with less. We are doing everything we can to save money while maintaining as much of our service as possible. This means: 

• Eliminating most unscheduled overtime work;
• Reducing the purchasing of goods and services to just the immediately needed essentials;
• Significantly slowing down hiring; and,
• Creating emergency temporary transit lanes to maximize the amount of service our buses can provide in the face of rising car congestion (read more about the data here).

Restoring Transit Service

As the economy slowly reopens, we are bringing some of the transit service back. In May and June we increased service, and by mid-August we expect to have additional service hours restored. However, the SFMTA won’t be able to restore more than 70 percent of pre-COVID service hours for at least the next six months, and probably even longer. 

With physical distancing requirements, we need three times the number of vehicles to move the same number of passengers. This means that even with 70% of service hours, our riders may feel like there is only 20 or 25 percent of our pre-COVID service available, because buses quickly reach their capacity limit. This results in essential workers being passed up at stops, even though we are offering better frequency and reliability on our highest ridership line than we had pre-COVID. When Metro Muni service returns in August, we will be deploying close to the maximum number of available operators and vehicles to serve our riders. Unless we are able to use those vehicles to carry more people, we will not be able to increase service any further.

Even if physical distancing constraints were relaxed, SFMTA would not be able to return to full transit service in the near future. This is because pre-COVID, the agency was already short on the number of operators needed to provide the scheduled service levels and our budget crisis prevents us from filling those positions or from backfilling positions that become vacant. Moreover, the health crisis means more of our employees are on long-term leave. 

In deciding how the 70 percent of service is restored, we are focused on:

1. Meeting ridership demands identified during the pandemic; and
2. Prioritizing service for people who need it most—our obligation is to serve people that depend on transit for their daily survival. 

We are working hard to make sure that we are serving all communities, particularly low-income and minority populations, and neighborhoods with the least access to services. With limited resources, providing better service to those who most need it requires service to those with the most choices. While we cannot bring back 100% of the prior Muni service levels, what we can do is bring service back in a way that shifts resources to routes most heavily used by those who depend on transit. Real equity work requires difficult trade-offs. Equity has long been a goal of the SFMTA, but under COVID it is a necessity. 

First, we cannot reinstate overlapping transit service in one part of town, while neglecting to serve another. In areas where we have duplicative service, we need to refocus those routes to improve overall city access, making sure we take care of riders that don’t have another option. Some Muni lines will see higher service levels than before the pandemic while others may not return.

Second, when Muni Metro service starts up again in August, it will be different. While we want to restore as much coverage as possible, we simply cannot afford to run every train to their full prior length, only to have them become stuck underground due to the congestion caused when all lines converge in the subway, increasing risk of exposure to COVID-19. We can provide the same access and significantly decrease expensive delays by running fewer, longer trains in the subway and keeping some routes above ground with transfers to the quick subway service. 

In the long term, of course, the subway should be modernized to run more trains, but those investments have been cut back for now because of the budget crisis. This plan will keep trains moving, though we know transferring between surface and subway trains will be an inconvenience and an adjustment

Finally, as with everything else with this pandemic, how our service is allocated throughout the city beyond August is uncertain. It will depend on the physical distancing requirements and revenues. We are making many temporary changes to adjust to rapidly evolving circumstances. We know that permanent long-term service changes will require additional analysis and public input and we look forward to engaging on these issues with our elected officials and communities. 

These are hard choices that involve trade-offs. But they are the right way to provide core service in the face of these immense challenges.

A Path Forward

This crisis is reshaping the services every San Franciscan depends on. Our budget will get us through the coming months, and for those who crave more details, our agency created a COVID-19 Data Analytics Dashboard, and you can see our budget presentation here.

But for us to break through this crisis, restore more service and expand progressive and innovative policies, we’ll need more resources.

The federal government, through the CARES Act, bought us time. But the money only covered the pandemic’s immediate impact and without further action by Congress, our city is on its own.

We, as San Franciscans, own the Muni system and the rest of the transportation network. As the owners of it, I know we need it to be equitable, efficient and safe. We need the transportation system to help our city correct for many inequalities, including growing income disparities, and support the economic recovery of all San Franciscans. Across city agencies, there is work being done to sow the seeds for a resurgence of neighborhood life and vitality -- transportation is a key part of doing that. 

I, and the SFMTA team, are the stewards of these goals and are committed to working with all of you on finding creative solutions, including financial ones, to deliver a system San Franciscans are proud to own. To this end, we are committed to:

• being thoughtful in trying new things and not letting the fear of imperfection keep us from trying new things, listening to feedback, and quickly adjusting what we’re doing if it is not working;
• Making tough decisions now to avoid expensive fixes later, and being transparent about what these decisions and trade-offs are; and,
• Identifying new funding sources to keep our transportation moving over the long run. 

I know that change is hard, particularly during these uncertain times when we’re having to make so many adjustments across all aspects of our lives. I am confident that we can work through these adjustments together and build a stronger transportation system worthy of San Francisco’s legacy.

Published July 11, 2020 at 04:06AM
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Return of Muni Metro Rail FAQs

Return of Muni Metro Rail FAQs
By Mariana Maguire

Map: Proposed new Muni Metro rail configuration.

Recently, we shared the exciting announcement that Muni Metro Rail service will return in August with some time saving changes. For some customers, this is a big change and we know there are lots of questions! So, we complied answers to some of the most frequent ones we hear.  

Stay tuned for more information as we prepare to deliver more reliable, efficient rail service back to San Francisco. And please remember that Muni is still for essential trips only. You can help reduce crowding on transit by using other transportation options if they are available to you, like walking, biking, or our Essential Trip Card program. Unless you need to take transit for work, stay local and support your neighborhood businesses as they reopen.

How are Muni Metro Rail routes changing and will any routes be eliminated?

None of the Muni Metro rails lines are being eliminated. Rail service is returning in full, with some changes to the configuration to fix the chronic delays caused by our overburdened single subway tunnel where all the lines converge.

• The L Taraval and K Ingleside surfaces lines will be combined into one line referred to as the LK. This means the L Taraval will still run from the SF Zoo to West Portal Station, where it will continue as the K Ingleside to Balboa Station via Ocean Avenue. The K Ingleside trains will do the same, running towards West Portal from Balboa Station before continuing on the L Taraval line to SF Zoo.
• Customers on the LK heading towards downtown can transfer to the S at West Portal or to the TM at Saint Francis Circle.
• The J Church will continue to run from Balboa Park Station to Church and Market but will terminate at Church and Market and turn around instead of entering the subway. Customers heading downtown can transfer to the TM or S in the subway or other above ground transit nearby.
• The M Oceanview and T Third will now be combined from West Portal to Embarcadero.

We are currently safety testing three-car trains for the S Shuttle running from the Embarcadero to West Portal Station.

As a result of these changes, we expect customers will experience much more reliable and efficient service with far fewer delays along each leg of their trip.

Where will the transfer points be?

With the new temporary rail configuration, customers on the L Taraval or the K Ingleside continuing downtown will transfer at West Portal Station to the new all-day S Shuttle that will operate exclusively underground from West Portal to Embarcadero.

LK customers can also transfer to the TM line at West Portal Station to get downtown. This configuration will reduce delays and congestion in the tunnels, making service more reliable throughout the rail system.

For those who want to minimize the distance between transfer points St. Francis Circle is a great place to switch between the LK and the TM. This stop has accessible ramps inbound and outbound that serve both the LK and the TM.

J Church customers continuing downtown will transfer at Church and Market to the subway.

We expect fewer delays at these transfer points because trains will no longer suffer chronic back-ups from subway congestion.

Will transfer points be accessible?

Yes. We are currently working on two capital improvement projects to facilitate our proposed new rail configuration – the West Portal LK Transfer Project, and the J Church Transfer Improvements Project. The goal of these projects is to make the new transfers accessible. Project teams are working with local communities to test the placement and design of accessible ramps at Ulloa and updates at Market and Church. St. Francis Circle, another transfer point for the LK, also has accessible ramps.

As always, please plan some extra time when riding Muni – buses or rail – for unexpected situations and to allow for physical distancing requirements.

Will there be wayfinding signs and outreach to help customers understand the changes?

Yes. We are developing new subway maps and wayfinding signs. We will post knowledgeable ambassadors at transfer points and key stops to help direct customers. We will also install information inside our buses and trains before and after rail service restarts, and new onboard announcements will remind customers of the new transfers points.

Other outreach includes:

• Sending multilingual mailers to residents near the L Taraval, K Ingleside, J Church lines and citywide;
• Working with merchant groups, community-based organizations, Supervisor offices and neighborhood associations to get the word out among diverse communities;
• Offering public presentations on the Transfer Improvement Projects and temporary rail changes;
• Placing multilingual ads in citywide and neighborhood newspapers, TV and radio in multiple languages;
• Emailing customers who signed up for updates on our projects;
• Social media campaigns.

How can the public provide input?

The new rail configuration and the related Transfer Improvements Projects at West Portal and Church & Market are temporary. The goal is to identify permanent solutions to chronic subway delays and make Muni Metro more reliable, both inside the subway and on the surface. We plan to implement the new configuration and test its effectiveness. As always, customer feedback will be a key consideration in our decision making.

Public Meetings: The West Portal LK Transfer Project will host a public meeting on July 18 during which the public will have the opportunity to provide comment. Be on the lookout for a similar meeting to be scheduled for the J Church Transfer Improvements Project. These are capital projects, which require formal public input.

We have heard feedback from customers about the inefficiency of the subway, delays getting trains through the tunnels, and the need to improve reliability of Muni Metro rail. As we try out the new configuration, we will continue to take customer feedback into account, as well as ridership data, and delay statistics. To share your feedback as temporary rail changes roll out please email SFMTA.com/Feedback.

Why are these changes necessary?

Unlike many major cities, San Francisco’s subway has been over capacity with six rail lines trying to use one tunnel that can only accommodate turnarounds at the end points. Just like on a highway or roadway, as more vehicles use the space, the space becomes crowded and vehicles can’t move.

We temporarily suspended rail service due to COVID-19 health concerns and related staffing shortages. Now that we have a mobile cleaning program and more operators back at work who are certified to operate Muni Metro light rail vehicles, we can restore rail service in full. By trying out a new configuration of rail service, we expect to reduce the long delays that customers used to experience, stuck at or between stations.

Does this mean more people will be able to ride the trains during COVID-19?

Customers must still adhere to citywide physical distancing guidelines while riding Muni Metro rail. And, face coverings are required to ride Muni and while waiting at stops.

We are working with experts at the San Francisco Department of Public Health to add capacity to our vehicles as appropriate.

How often will trains run and what’s the schedule?

Trains will run seven days per week at frequencies of ten minutes or less. We are coordinating scheduling details and will release more information before the August service changes go into effect.

Now that you’ll have more buses available, what other routes will be coming back?

We expect several bus routes to come back in August along with the return of Muni Metro rail.

By bringing back rail we can:

• Repurpose our buses for more routes
• Put our longer buses into service on different routes to reduce crowding where there is high rider demand
• Improve route frequencies on many lines so customers don’t have to wait as long for a less crowded bus
• Use our resources more effectively

We are finalizing the details of each route that will come back into service and will provide a complete list of those updates soon.

Will customers still be required to wear face coverings?

Yes. Every customer is required, by the Mayor’s order, to wear face masks in public – including while riding Muni and waiting for a Muni vehicle.

Public health information is increasingly showing that widespread and consistent use of face coverings reduces the spread of COVID-19. We urge customers to take this seriously and have instructed our operators to pass up customers who are not wearing face coverings at Muni stops.

Remember: your face covering or mask protects others, and theirs protect you.

Published July 10, 2020 at 02:22AM
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Active Beale Improves Connection to Salesforce Transit Center

Active Beale Improves Connection to Salesforce Transit Center
By Enrique Aguilar

A series of transportation improvements on Beale Street will kick off this summer with a new transit lane from Market to Natoma streets. Transit lanes are part of the first phase of the Active Beale Street Project, and installation is scheduled to begin later this summer. The project was unanimously approved by the SFMTA Board of Directors on June 16, 2020 and received wide support from community members who participated in the meeting. 

The project aims to promote active transportation in the East Cut neighborhood as it continues to grow. Other Quick-Build changes coming to Beale Street this summer also include a two-way protected bike lane track between Market and Natoma, and a pickup/drop-off zone between Howard and Folsom. An extension of the two-way bike lane from Natoma to Howard streets and additional sidewalk widening on Beale Street would take place during construction phase one and two, which is expected to begin in late 2021. 

As the City gradually reopens, the SFMTA is implementing improvements like this one for San Franciscans to reach their destination using different modes of transportation and  allow for more physical distancing. 

Diagram below shows the future design for Beale Street, Market to Mission, looking South.

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A Faster Connection to the City’s Transit Hub 

In a neighborhood composed of high-rise office buildings and affordable housing, transit lanes allow East Cut residents and those traveling downtown to complete their trips in less time on Muni and Golden Gate Transit, especially as we are seeing congestion returns to city streets. The Beale Street transit lane keeps Muni a reliable option for people who depend on transit so that employees can get to work, and customers can access shops and services. Commuters connecting to other regional transit lines at the Salesforce Transit Center would also see improvements in travel times and frequency. Beale Street is used by six Muni lines, including the 5 Fulton, 5R Fulton Rapid, 7 Haight-Noriega (shortened), 38 Geary, 38R Geary Rapid, 30X Marina Express (suspended), 41 Union (suspended), and Golden Gate Transit.

Diagram illustrates future transit lanes on Beale Street between Market and Natoma.

Transit lanes benefit Muni customers by reducing crowding and helping maintain physical distance onboard. As San Francisco’s economy continues to recover, it has become critical during COVID-19 to protect the health of Muni passengers by enacting physical requirements that have reduced passenger capacity across our transit system. With transit lanes, Muni will be able to complete routes in less time and return into service more quickly. This enables us to provide more service with the same number buses to reduce crowding and pass-ups.  

Customers also reduce their possible exposure to COVID-19 when their travel time is shortened. The SFMTA is developing a plan to install temporary emergency transit lanes as a temporary measure. These proposed lanes benefit customers on Muni routes that are critical to neighborhoods with high percentages of people of color and low-income households.  

Installing a transit lane on Beale Street this summer as a Quick-Build before the larger construction will improve travel times, frequency, and reduce possible exposure to COVID-19 for Muni passengers. Be on the lookout for other future improvements on Beale Street that will provide better protection for people who walk and bike to encourage other modes of transportation and help maintain physical distancing.  

  

Published July 03, 2020 at 03:05AM
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Leading with Pride

Leading with Pride
By

Jeffrey Tumlin addresses participants and attendees, including Mayor London Breed, at the Better Market Street opening day ceremony on Jan. 29.

This week we are profiling several agency leaders, including Director of Transportation Jeffrey Tumlin, on their thoughts about this month’s Pride celebrations and their experience with equity and transit in San Francisco.

Our agency has participated as a sponsor and with a parade contingent in San Francisco’s world-renown Pride celebration for many years. Last week Director of Transportation Jeffrey Tumlin logged in with our communications team to share some of his background and perspective on the 50th anniversary of Pride.

The questions and answers have been edited for length.

Q: What does the 50th anniversary of Pride mean to you?

A: I think the 50th anniversary of Pride is interesting in the context of the George Floyd anti-police brutality protests that are happening in San Francisco. Pride started as a riot. We celebrate the Stonewall uprising, but we forget that years before that the Compton’s Cafeteria Riot happened right here in San Francisco. This was also a bunch of courageous, angry transgender people who felt so hopeless about not being respected and loved in society and so hated by the establishment, that they had nothing to lose and fought back against police brutality. We need to remember that, and we need to take the lessons of our fight for gay equality and understand our responsibility to join our brothers and sisters in fighting for transgender equality and racial equality.

Q: In what ways do you feel the equity work at our agency serves those who identify as LGBTQ+ colleagues?

A: Our equity work at the SFMTA has both an internal focus and an external focus. All our equity work is a call to action. It recognizes our history of not only not valuing certain types of people but also actually undermining their rights and opportunities to serve. So, equity work is not only about treating people equally, it’s about correcting for past injustice. It’s remarkable that even here in San Francisco there’s still so much work we need to do.

Q: In what ways can or does transit in general serve or strengthen the LGBTQ+ community?

A: Transit is very gendered. Transportation is very gendered. If we design our mobility system to serve cisgender young white men, we serve cisgender young white men. If we design our mobility spaces to serve women, people with disabilities and people of color, we end up serving everyone. The design of mobility systems can make us all feel like we are welcome and that we also have responsibilities to uphold in public to make everyone else feel welcome. So, a question that I always ask myself is, “Would my trans friends feel safe here?”

Q: And in answering that, what looks different? How do you recognize that?

A: That’s something I try to ask other people questions about. I’m queer, but I’m also an affluent middle-aged white guy. There are perspectives where I always need to go talk to other people in order to better understand. That’s part of why equity work inside the agency is important for us to deliver quality service to our customers outside the agency.

I know a bit about how to design spaces that are welcoming for women and children. I know a bit about how to design services that are inclusive of transgendered people, but I always need to check with the experts. “Hey, I think I’ve got this right. Is this?” And often I’ve missed some critical detail because it’s not part of my lived experience.

The factors that make a space trans-friendly or queer-friendly or welcoming to women and children are very complex. There aren’t simple rules, but studies have shown if a few younger women start biking, particularly women of color, that tells others that this is an appropriate activity for everyone. And suddenly it changes attitudes.

Q: You’ve mentioned that you see a strong connection between the AIDS and the COVID-19 public health crises. Can you discuss how those are related?

A: It’s been strange having a seat at the table, as the head of a city department, quietly listening to conversations about how the city is responding to COVID-19. I’ve been able to observe that all the institutional mechanisms set up by the Bay Area county health directors back in the 80s to respond to the AIDS health crisis were still there. It’s why the county health directors made the decisions they did and Mayor Breed acted as quickly as she did. Those decisions saved thousands of lives, particularly compared to regions that waited just a couple of weeks longer.

Published June 29, 2020 at 11:26AM
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Fast-Tracking Transit Lanes to Help the City's Recovery

Fast-Tracking Transit Lanes to Help the City's Recovery
By Amy Fowler

Map of temporary emergency transit lanes being proposed at the June 30 SFMTA Board of Directors meeting

We don’t have a crystal ball to see into San Francisco’s future, but one thing is clear: a citywide economic recovery is dependent in large part on a transportation recovery. And while we work to come back from one crisis, we’re looking to avert another—traffic gridlock.

With hundreds of thousands of people dependent on transit to get around before COVID-19, our city is uniquely vulnerable to increased congestion. Congestion is already on the rise, and some studies are predicting that people may turn increasingly to private vehicles, turning the streets into a “Carmageddon” for both cars and transit. Our city’s streets simply don’t have room for more vehicles.

At the same time, COVID-19 has impacted our ability to provide Muni service. Service levels depend on the availability of operators, car cleaners, maintenance staff and other personnel to operate the system and support expanded cleaning protocols. To support physical distancing, our buses can only carry one-third of the number of passengers as they could before the pandemic. And, severe revenue cuts are also taking a toll. We estimate that we may only be able to provide 70% of pre-COVID-19 Muni service hours next year. If buses get stuck in traffic, that number could be even lower.

We need to ensure that transportation works for those who don’t have the privilege of working from home or using a private vehicle. Now more than ever, Muni is serving those riders who have no other options and are more likely to be people of color or from low-income households. In order to protect people who rely on transit from increased exposure to COVID-19 on slow or crowded buses, we need to act quickly to move more people with fewer resources.

One of the most effective tools we have to improve Muni travel time and reliability are transit lanes. Dedicated transit lanes allow buses to complete trips in less time and return into service more quickly, increasing vehicle frequency and moving more people with more space to physically distance. Emergency vehicles are also able to use the lanes to bypass traffic congestion.

The benefits these transit lanes bring are critically needed for Muni customers who have no other options during this public health emergency. We recently implemented a new transit lane on 4th Street and on June 16 the SFMTA Board of Directors approved new transit lanes as part of the Active Beale Street Project.

At a special meeting on Tuesday, June 30, the SFMTA Board will consider fast-tracking temporary emergency transit lanes that would benefit five Muni routes:

• 14 Mission and 14R Mission Rapid: Mission Street in SoMa
• 19 Polk: 7th and 8th Streets in SoMa
• 43 Masonic and 44 O’Shaughnessy: Locations on Presidio, Masonic, Laguna Honda, Woodside, and Bosworth streets

If approved, these temporary emergency transit lanes would be installed in late summer and striped only with white paint, “Bus/Taxi Only” stenciling and signage. Lanes will automatically be removed within 120 days after the emergency order is lifted, unless there is a public process to make a lane permanent.

These locations were chosen based on where the benefits are greatest, based on current ridership, travel time data and to prioritize routes that serve neighborhoods with high percentages of people of color and low-income households, including Ingleside, Outer Mission, Excelsior, Visitacion Valley, Bayview, Mission, SoMa and the Tenderloin.

On June 30, the Board will also consider delegating authority to the City Traffic Engineer’s Office to streamline the approval process for any future temporary emergency transit lanes. A public hearing would also be required for each corridor. The SFMTA is using travel time data to evaluate additional locations where adding temporary emergency transit lanes would achieve the biggest time savings and provide the greatest benefit. We will work with the community to evaluate and make any adjustments that are needed to the temporary transit lanes in real time based on public feedback and data monitoring.

At the beginning of the shelter-in-place, we saw massive time savings on several streets that don’t currently have transit lanes (see map), including the streets where temporary emergency transit lanes are proposed. Those are gains we’ll need to maintain to protect essential workers and our future economic recovery. Meanwhile, on most streets that already have transit lanes, there was no or very little improvement with the decreased traffic—demonstrating just how effective those lanes have been.  

Delivering the city we want in the future, with a transit network that seamlessly connects people to jobs and neighborhoods to neighborhoods won’t come without tradeoffs. Temporary transit lanes will require removing some general-purpose lanes or parking in some places. As lanes are implemented we will be closely evaluating and gathering public feedback, and are prepared to make adjustments as we go—or even remove lanes—to ensure we meet the needs of the community and Muni customers. 

Learn more about temporary emergency transit lanes.

Published June 27, 2020 at 06:38AM
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Taxi Taxi

Taxi Taxi
By Benjamin Barnett

During this time of physical distancing and temporarily reduced Muni service, our Taxi program continues to provide essential trips around the City. A number of changes have been made to meet the challenges of this crisis and instill confidence in drivers and passengers during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

To start with, taxi company representatives have been trained, including with an SFMTA training video on proper cleaning procedures. Taxis are now required to be sanitized after each passenger trip and the SFMTA follows up with enforcement activities to ensure compliance.  

In addition to making personal protective equipment (PPE) kits available to all taxi companies for distribution to drivers, the SFMTA has procured and distributed clear plastic shields for vehicles. These plastic shields are easily installed inside the vehicle, separating the rear and front seats, adding a layer of protection for both the driver and passenger. The SFMTA has provided these plastic shields to all taxi companies at no charge.  

SFMTA provided plastic “bubbles” to all taxi companies that add a layer of protection for Taxi drivers and passengers alike. 

We are also committed to helping the taxi industry as a whole. Here are some things that the SFMTA is doing to boost the Taxi industry during these trying times: 

• Increased the SFMTA’s Clean Air Taxi program per vehicle rebate up to $7,700 and used vehicles are now able to qualify.  
• Support the Department of Environment’s Essential Worker Ride Home program that provides subsidized taxi trips for essential workers.  
• Meet weekly with taxi companies to share information and get updates from company managers 
• Provided a list of financial resources and other support programs, including unemployment assistance and paycheck protection program, to the taxi industry 
• Ensured that SFPD is aware that taxis are considered essential during the shelter-in-place order and are able to continue operating 
• Route industry requests through the SFMTA’s Incident Command System and continue to seek additional resources for taxis 
• Meet weekly with taxi regulators across the country to share best practices to support taxi industry 

Taxis deliver critical service as part of the Essential Trip Program

With a shortage of operators, car cleaners and other key personnel, Muni has implemented significant reductions to Muni service. For many older adults and people with disabilities, walking farther to an alternate bus or paying for other transportation simply isn’t possible. To address this need, SFMTA’s Essential Trip Card (ETC) helps older adults and people with disabilities pay for essential trips in taxis. We are thankful that taxis have stepped up to serve this critical need.  

The ETC provides two to three round trips per month at 20 percent of the cost of a regular cab fare.  All taxis in San Francisco will accept the card to pay for essential trips like going to the grocery store or the doctor during the shelter-in-place period.  Customers who pay $6 will receive $30 value or $12 for $60 value for taxi trips on a debit card. Cards can be re-filled once a month for each month of this special temporary program until the SFMTA announces its end.  

The taxi industry is an essential part of our transportation system. Taxis have been instrumental in our city’s efforts to effectively serve people with disabilities and older adults before and during this crisis. Since the early 1980s, taxis have been an integral part of Paratransit and San Francisco has had wheelchair-accessible ramp taxi service since the early 1990s. The SFMTA is thankful that taxis continue to deliver these critical services to our most vulnerable citizens during these challenging times.  

Published June 25, 2020 at 06:05AM
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Big Changes Ahead when Muni Rail Returns in August

Big Changes Ahead when Muni Rail Returns in August
By Mariana Maguire

Photo: Muni Metro rail train at a subway platform.

Get ready for a big addition to our COVID-19 Core Service Network:  Muni Metro rail is scheduled to return in August to coincide with San Francisco schools welcoming teachers and students back into their classrooms, and more businesses reopening.

But the new Metro rail service will look different when it comes back: Some Muni Metro lines could be taken out of the subway to cut severe pre-COVID-19 delays and backups in the tunnels. This would also allow us to add more cars to our Metro trains to increase capacity.

Putting Metro rail back in service frees up buses currently in use for the L, M, N and T to serve additional routes and improve frequencies systemwide. A high-frequency shuttle in the subway would replace the Metro lines that we take out of the subway. Devoting the tunnels to the higher capacity routes would use the space in our subway much more efficiently. These changes will support more essential trips, physical distancing, and our city’s economic recovery.

Closing the Muni Metro subway in March allowed us to minimize risk to our front-line staff and the community and redirect custodial resources to other facilities. While the rail system was closed to customers, Muni was able to complete critical maintenance work to our vehicles and infrastructure.  

All our service changes are possible because of the City’s efforts, the cooperation of our customers, and the steps we have taken as an agency to decrease the risk of transmission of COVID-19. As more of our operators and other staff are gradually able to return to work, we can offer more service.

We’re able to restart Metro rail with the implementation of a mobile cleaning program that allows us to clean buses and trains in the field rather than only at bus and rail yards. This new program helps to expand service levels by keeping more buses on the street. The more vehicles we have in circulation, the easier it is for customers to maintain physical distance onboard.

 

Highlights of the service changes for rail that are planned for August are below:

Subway Metro Rail:

• All metro buses currently running will be suspended with the return of metro service. This includes the N Bus, L Bus and T Bus. The N Owl and L Owl bus service will continue.
• The N Judah will return with two-car trains.
• More frequent S Shuttles will return between West Portal and Embarcadero stations with two-car trains. These shuttles will run exclusively inside the subway.
• The M Oceanview will return and be combined with the T Third – a practice known as “interlining.” This means we will be able to use two-car trains on both these lines when service returns.

Surface Metro Rail:

Metro rail service will return on the following routes, but will no longer use the subway in order to significantly cut down delays and congestion in the tunnels:

• The L Taraval and K Ingleside will be combined (interlined) and will no longer enter the subway at West Portal Station. This new interlined route will run from the SF Zoo to City College at Balboa Park Station. West Portal will be a transfer point to either the M/T line or S Shuttles for riders who need to continue to downtown.
• The J Church will no longer enter the subway. It will terminate at Market. To continue downtown customers can transfer to the M/T line or S Shuttle at Market and Church, or the N Judah at Duboce and Church.

Here is a map of the new Muni Metro rail configuration:

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Making Metro More Reliable

We are all too familiar with the routine backups that occurred in the Metro rail tunnels before COVID-19. Trains would be stuck outside the tunnels, between stations and on the platforms for long periods, often unable to let customers on or off. For years J Church and N Judah customers have experienced delays waiting to enter the tunnel at Duboce. Customers have similar experiences waiting to exit the tunnel at West Portal Station. A major cause is structural – we move all seven of our Muni Metro lines through a single subway tunnel. Like a backed-up freeway, trains get stuck in traffic, causing unacceptable slowdowns and unreliable service across the system.

Graphic: Muni Metro lines converging into a single tunnel.

Change has been needed for a long time, but now, more than ever, we must get people to their jobs and activities reliably and reduce delays that could increase risk of exposure to COVID-19. As we emerge from shelter-in-place, it’s imperative that we take the opportunity to improve our rail service so that we can deliver people to and from school and work reliably. We don’t want our customers stuck on trains in between stations or crowding on station platforms. By limiting the number of lines that go into the subway, we can meet both of those goals.

This will be a big change to our previous Muni Metro rail service and a big adjustment for all of us. Customers would need to adapt some of their commute habits, so we are also working to ensure transfers are convenient for people to easily make their connections, particularly for seniors and people with disabilities.

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Addressing Demand for Rail

Our subway system moves our highest volumes of customers, cumulatively, through the core of the city. Reliability is imperative for our customers and operators. Yet over the years as our service has grown, we have placed too much demand on our subway tunnels without improving tunnel capacity.

Before the COVID-19 emergency, we had been running more trains per hour in subway than we can process, roughly 40 trains per hour. Often, however, we’re only able to get 35 of trains through. This makes our service inconsistent and leaves our customers frustrated. To improve reliability and efficiency we need to reduce the number of trains per hour to around 25 to 30 and run higher capacity trains through the subway.

Graphic: Line graphs depicting the disparity between number of trains scheduled to run through the subway and actual number of trains that get from end to end. The difference represents backups and delays that make the current configuration unreliable.

The J Church and K Ingleside lines can only support one-car trains due to surface-level constraints, while the N Judah, M Ocean View, T Third and S Shuttle can accommodate two-car trains. One-car trains take up the same “slot” in the subway as a two-car train. By devoting the tunnels to the higher capacity routes, we could be using the space in our subway much more efficiently. And with ridership volumes, it currently makes the most sense to combine the K Ingleside and L Taraval lines.

The shorter running times means the J Church, K Ingleside, and L Taraval lines will be more frequent along their new surface-only routes. Combined with a more reliable frequent shuttle service, trips downtown will be more dependable and quicker.

We know customers will have questions about these changes. More details on these and other service changes, including detailed maps, will be coming soon.

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The modified COVID-19 Core Service Plan  supports essential trips that cannot be made in other ways. All San Franciscans are helping us maintain adequate space on Muni for physical distancing by continuing to stay at home except for essential trips. If you need to make an essential trip, please use an alternate form of transportation whenever possible – walking, biking, taxi or driving – to save a seat on Muni for those who don’t have other options.

When you must use Muni for your essential trips, please allow space to physically distance and give yourself extra time. You may need to wait longer for a vehicle with available space. Remember, your trip may now include transfers and a longer walk, and your fare is good for two hours across multiple buses. 

We know that for many people with disabilities and seniors, walking farther — or paying for other transportation — isn’t possible. To serve this need, the SFMTA has introduced the Essential Trip Card (ETC) – a discount program to help seniors and people with disabilities make essential trips in taxis during this crisis.  

Visit SFMTA.com/COVID-19 for the latest information about Muni routes in service or to explore alternate ways to get around the city. 

Published June 19, 2020 at 03:19AM
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We want to hear from you! Participate in the Muni Customer Survey

We want to hear from you! Participate in the Muni Customer Survey
By Sophia Scherr

The SFMTA hopes that you and your family have been staying well during these challenging and uncertain times. As San Francisco and the SFMTA begins the transit recovery planning process, we are seeking input to help inform a Transportation Recovery Plan. This plan will include service and operational strategies, such as expansion of Muni service, frequency and operation, leading to a broader reopening in line with public health guidelines.

We invite you to participate by taking the survey below. This survey is also available in Spanish, Chinese and Filipino and takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.
 

Take the Survey!

 

We appreciate your participation and taking the time out of your day to provide this valuable information.

 

 

Published June 16, 2020 at 03:04AM
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Adapting Our Public Process to Meet the Moment

Adapting Our Public Process to Meet the Moment
By Sophia Scherr

The SFMTA has quickly adapted our in-person public process to meet the moment and ensure that San Franciscans can still provide input and participate. Through our partnership with the SFGovTV, we were able to adapt open houses, Townhall, and board meetings from a face-to-face format to an interactive, multilingual, online platform that is accessible to all.

As developments surrounding COVID-19 accelerated throughout March, the SFMTA was one of the first city entities to begin hosting public meetings remotely with our online budget town hall. Originally planned to be held in-person at City Hall, our team quickly created a multilingual video series in which our Director of Transportation took members of the public through the proposed budget. We leveraged this townhall our social media channels, included information on our webpage and streamed it on the SFGovTV webpage and cable access channel.

Once the city mandated shelter-in--place-orders were in effect with requirements of physical distancing and a prohibition on large gatherings, we went 100% virtual with our online budget conversation. Members of the public were able to provide valuable feedback and ask questions via a dial-in hotline, email, and by Twitter using #SFMTABudget. This major outreach effort allowed us to collect valuable feedback and information that was used in shaping our future budget.  

In addition to our online town halls, the SFMTA adjusted Community Advisory Committee meeting to a video conferencing platform and SFMTA Board hearing to be held remotely. This SFMTA Board hearing was the first San Francisco board or commission - aside from the Board of Supervisors’ meetings, that was available for online engagement. Our team shifted from our regular in-person participation to live audio participation, where members of the public called in to provide input and comments to Board members. Testing new technologies and techniques comes with its own sets of challenges, but we made the necessary improvements so that our  SFMTA Board of Directors meeting was able to proceed without a (virtual) hitch.

Upcoming Public Meetings

June 11	ISCOTT Meeting
June 12	Engineering Public Hearing
June 26	Color Curb Hearing

 

Visit our event calendar page for future public meetings.

 

Published June 10, 2020 at 03:25AM
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Muni Service Changes Starting June 13

Muni Service Changes Starting June 13
By Mariana Maguire

Beginning Saturday, June 13, the SFMTA will increase Muni service and frequency, add select routes into service and extend some current routes to continue to support essential trips. A key goal of these service increases is to support the community’s economic recovery by providing more connections to neighborhood commercial districts as businesses begin to reopen. We are also adding more frequent service on targeted routes to help address crowding and improve onboard physical distancing.

These service changes will improve transit access through Chinatown, SoMa and the Excelsior neighborhoods, identified by the Muni’s Service Equity Strategy as neighborhoods that rely on transit service the most based on the percentage of households with low incomes, private vehicle ownership and race and ethnicity demographics.

Although Muni continues to be for essential trips only, many people have no choice but to use transit to return to work or perform essential trips. We must do everything we can to protect our operators and these customers from risk. We are able to deliver these changes to Muni’s COVID-19 Core Service Network through expanded staffing availability and enhanced bus cleaning programs. We also rolled out a successful training program to certify more of our available operators to operate 60-foot vehicles, allowing us to put more of these larger vehicles into service.

Below are details of the service changes starting Saturday, June 13:

N Judah Bus

• On weekdays, 60-foot buses will be replacing 40-foot buses for the N Judah Bus, allowing more room for passengers to maintain physical distance on board and reduce crowding.
• Daily frequency will remain at 10 minutes or better.

5 Fulton

• Service will be extended west to Ocean Beach to include the full route between Downtown and La Playa and will serve all local stops.
• By extending service to include the full route, we are addressing a customer priority and providing connections to additional grocery stores and essential businesses in the Outer Richmond.
• Daily frequency will remain at 10-20 minutes.

7 Noriega Community Shuttle

• Service to a portion of the 7 Noriega line will return as a shortened, Community Shuttle route between Ocean Beach and Inner Sunset (Funston & Irving) in order to better connect Sunset residents to commercial districts on Noriega, grocery stores and other essential services.
• The route will also provide connections to the N Bus (transfer at Judah) and the 28 19th Avenue (transfer at Lincoln).
• Daily frequency will be approximately every 20 minutes.

28 19th Avenue

• Service will be extended north to California and 7th Avenue in order to provide connections to the 1 California and 38 Geary and establish a terminal location for operators.
• Access to transfer points will help connect essential workers to UCSF, Kaiser and the California Pacific Medical Center.
• Frequency will remain at approximately every 20 minutes, weekdays only.

30 Stockton

• This route will be restored in full to expand service in Chinatown and SoMa and provide access to commercial districts in the Marina. This additional service will also help alleviate crowding and support physical distancing on the 8 Bayshore line.
• The 30 Stockton is one of our customers’ top priorities for expanded service.
• Daily frequency will be every 10-20 minutes.

38 Geary

• In response to customer feedback, the 38 Geary will begin using a modified route to Geary at 32nd Avenue instead of 48th Avenue at Point Lobos.
• From approximately 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily, the outbound 38 Geary will go to Fort Miley Hospital. At Fort Miley, buses will drop off and pick up customers, but will only be dropping off customers between the hospital and the Geary at 32nd Avenue terminal. 
• For morning service between 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. to Downtown, please board the 38R Geary Rapid at inbound stops on Geary between 42nd and 33rd avenues. Board the 38 Geary at the Geary & 32nd Avenue terminal for local service.

43 Masonic

• In response to feedback from Muni customers identifying the 43 Masonic as a priority, the 43 Masonic will provide a modified route between the Crocker-Amazon and Excelsior neighborhoods, and Masonic and Geary.
• This route connects to hospitals, including UCSF, St. Mary’s, Kaiser, California Pacific Medical Center and Laguna Honda, as well as grocery stores and other essential businesses.
• Daily frequency will be every 10-20 minutes.

Improving Frequency

• Weekday service frequencies will improve by 1-2 minutes on the following lines to help address crowding and allow for better physical distancing:
  
  • L Bus
  • T Bus
  • 14R Mission Rapid
• The L Owl service frequency will operate approximately every 20 minutes from 10:00 pm to 5:00 a.m., improving service frequency 10 minutes for both weekday and weekend service.

Service changes are responsive to operator, facilities and cleaning staff availability, ridership data and customer input. We are focused on serving areas and connecting customers to essential businesses that are high priorities for our customers.

Map of Core Service that will be in effect as of Saturday, June 13: 

Access a larger map of service in effect June 13 that also displays regional transit connections and can be downloaded.

The modified COVID-19 Core Service Plan  supports essential trips that cannot be made in other ways. All San Franciscans are helping us maintain adequate space on buses for physical distancing by continuing to stay at home except for essential trips. If you need to make an essential trip, please use an alternate form of transportation whenever possible – walking, biking or driving – to save a seat on Muni for those who don’t have other options.   By having buses arrive more frequently on routes experiencing higher passenger volumes and by running larger buses on the N Bus, we can provide customers more room to physically distance on Muni.

If you do need to travel on Muni, give yourself extra time. You may need to wait longer for a bus with available space and avoid riding buses that are half full or more for physical distancing.

Please continue to choose alternatives to Muni such as walking and bicycling whenever possible. When you must use Muni for your essential trips, please allow space to physically distance

Masks or face coverings are required on Muni. To avoid getting passed up, cover your nose and mouth with a mask or other facial covering and give the operator a friendly wave to be sure they see you. Remember, your trip may now include transfers and a longer walk, and your fare is good for two hours across multiple buses. 

Visit SFMTA.com/COVID-19 for the latest information about Muni routes in service or to explore alternate ways to get around the city. 

Published June 10, 2020 at 01:03AM
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