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Taken with Transportation Podcast: Connecting Community to Transit By The Bayview Community Shuttle is intended to help residents connect more easily with transit lines that serve Bayview-Hunters Point, such as the 54 Felton and T-Third. Accessing public transit can be more difficult for people in one particular San Francisco neighborhood than it is in other parts of the city. So we are designing a supplemental transportation program for this area, the Bayview Community Shuttle. You can learn more in the latest episode of the SFMTA podcast, Taken with Transportation . Host Melissa Culross talks with SFMTA Transportation Planner Christopher Kidd, San Francisco Supervisor Shamann Walton, Bayview-Hunters Point Community Advocates Environmental Justice Director Dalila Adofo, SFMTA Planning Director Maia Small and neighborhood residents about the shuttle, which is expected to begin running in Bayview-Hunters Point in 2024.  Christopher Kidd is the planner in charge of the shuttle p...

MTA Board of Directors Welcomes Lydia So By Stephen Chun Lydia So, a championed public servant, advocate for the AAPI community and an accomplished urban planner, designer and architect, has joined the SFMTA’s Board of Directors. She was appointed in June 2023 and sworn in by Mayor London Breed on Aug. 23, 2023, at Central Subway’s Chinatown Rose Pak Station, in line with her personal connection with the Chinatown community.   So was born in Hong Kong and is fluent in Chinese (Cantonese). She is the founder of the architecture firm SOLYD Architecture, Management and Design. She is a former Historic Preservation Commissioner for the San Francisco Planning Department where she voted in favor of the Potrero Yard Modernization Project that is expected to bring hundreds of housing units to our city while maintaining the functions of the SFMTA. She was the first Chinese American Historic Preservation Commissioner, implemented the Planning Department’s Racial and Social Equity po...

New Muni Service Changes Start Saturday, August 19 By Clive Tsuma 28R 19th Avenue will run on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. starting Monday, August 21.  Back to School  With SFUSD students returning to school August 16, many families who rely on Muni to get to school will see service increase after school as part of the new schedule. Because Muni vehicles often become crowded during morning peak hours and sometimes pass up stops when there is not enough room for more riders, families are encouraged to plan their trips ahead of time and hop on Muni early to make sure students get to school on time.  With every public school in the San Francisco Unified School District being served by at least one Muni route , students can expect extra Muni service on the first day of the school this fall and continue providing service throughout the school year. While the Muni service changes won’t be implemented until August 19, school tripper service will be offered starting Au...

Track Replacement on the L Taraval Line By Sevilla Mann If you’ve traveled through the Sunset or Parkside neighborhoods recently, you may have seen a lot of construction activity on Taraval Street. Major construction projects are an inconvenience, and the impacts seem to be never ending. You may wonder, why does it take so long ?  We would like to thank everyone for your ongoing patience and understanding as the L Taraval Improvement Project to replace aging infrastructure continues. Since we announced the beginning of the second segment of improvements on Taraval Street in January 2022 , we’ve been busy wrapping up upgrades to the sewer and water lines, underground conduits and new pole foundations for the Overhead Contact System (OCS) that powers our Muni trains. We have also installed the necessary infrastructure to upgrade existing electrical for the trains, current and future streetlights and light poles. We’ve now begun work on some of the above-ground improvements that ...

Making Special Events Possible By Michael Delia   Outdoor festivals like Sunday Streets Phoenix Day celebrate the spirit of San Francisco. Such special events rely on the cooperation of many city departments.  San Francisco is a city that loves its outdoor events. Whether it’s a cultural heritage or holiday festival, farmers market, street fair, dance party, road race or even just a neighborhood block party, what often gets overlooked is the intricate collaboration and planning across city departments to make these events a success.  Nick Chapman is one of the people behind the scenes at the SFMTA who helps make them a reality. For seven years, he has worked to manage the permitting process that’s required for any special event . As a native San Franciscan who knows many corners of the city, Chapman has an appreciation for the public’s requests and finds the work to be fascinating.  “Every project is a little different. Every event, every location is a new situ...

How to Pay for Parking at The City's New Multi-Space Paystations By Pamela Johnson One of San Francisco's new paystations as the city moves away from its aging parking meters. How drivers pay for street parking in San Francisco continues to evolve. In March 2022, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) began the Citywide Parking Meter Replacement Project to replace San Francisco's aging 27,000 parking meters. Half of the parking meters will be replaced with new single-space meters and the other half with multi-space paystations that use a brand-new pay-by-license-plate system. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.  San Francisco uses paid parking to create curb availability in commercial districts and high-demand neighborhoods. When parking meters are in operation, drivers spend less time circling the block looking for a space. Less circling means less congestion and fewer greenhouse gas emissions.   To help drivers use the new m...

150 Years Ago Today – The Cable Car is Born By Kelley Trahan August 2, 2023, marks the 150th anniversary of the world’s first successful cable railway, born right here in San Francisco. To celebrate the occasion, we bring you the story of Andrew Hallidie and the very first cable car company, the Clay Street Hill Railroad.  Andrew Hallidie (1834-1900) was a pioneering inventor and entrepreneur who changed urban transportation. In 1852, at the age of 18, Hallidie emigrated with his father from the United Kingdom to San Francisco during the California Gold Rush. His father, an engineer and inventor, had a wire rope patent that played a crucial role in his son's future success.   Portrait of Andrew Smith Hallidie in 1890. Inspired by his father's wire rope business, Hallidie developed a steel cable mineral mine hauling system in 1857. About a decade later, he designed a wire rope aerial tramway for transporting materials over mountainous terrain. Then, after a stint in bridg...

Updated Muni Service as Students Return to School By Clive Tsuma 28R 19th Avenue will run on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. starting Monday, August 21. Muni will make changes to service to address crowding starting August 19 as SFUSD students return to school. This includes the return of the 28R 19th Avenue and bus stop changes to the 29 Sunset to improve travel times. 28R 19th Avenue Rapid Service   The return of the 28R 19th Avenue Rapid is a highlight of the upcoming August 19 Muni service changes. The restoration of the line since its suspension at the start of the pandemic will address crowding that riders on the 28 19th Avenue bus currently experience. The 28R 19th Avenue Rapid will run on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., every 12 minutes. Combined with the 28 19th Avenue, service on the corridor will be every six minutes.   The 28R 19th Avenue Rapid will run on a modified route that ends at the Daly City BART station, rather than at the Balboa Park BA...

SFMTA Celebrates Disability Pride Month and Introduces the Accessibility Strategy By Katie Heuser Disability rights activist Bruce Oka leads the ribbon cutting ceremony for an accessibility ramp on the K Ingleside platform in 1989.  Did you know one in ten San Franciscans has at least one kind of disability? July is Disability Pride Month, and San Francisco joins the celebration every year to honor the disability community and mark the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) . The ADA, which turns 33 on July 26, is the landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability.   The disability rights movement has a long history in the Bay Area, and much of that activism has focused on accessible transportation. You can hear more about the evolution of San Francisco’s accessible transportation on our podcast, Taken with Transportation . During July and all year round, we honor the experiences, achievements and struggles of people wi...

The Slow but Steady Transformation of Page Street By Michael Delia The transformation of Page Street from a congested to calm thoroughfare continues with the goal of making it safer for everyone.  The Slow Streets Program and other infrastructure upgrades are breathing new life into Page Street, creating a vibrant route connecting the Haight/Ashbury, Lower Haight and Hayes Valley neighborhoods. Widened sidewalks, a significant reduction in traffic and colorful, community-built street artwork have made Page a place where people want to walk, bike and live.  The tree-lined west end of Page Street serves as a gateway to Golden Gate Park. To the east, there have been numerous changes to the approach to Octavia Boulevard that are being welcomed by those who live in the area. There are now new sidewalk extensions and stormwater rain gardens at three locations near Octavia – including a decorative, traffic-calmed intersection at Page and Buchanan Streets.  Once a popular cu...

Innovation to Icon: 150 Years of Cable Cars Exhibit Opens By Jeremy Menzies We are happy to announce the opening of a special history exhibit at the San Francisco Public Library, as part of the ongoing celebrations for the 150th anniversary of the cable cars . The “Innovation to Icon: 150 Years of Cable Cars” exhibit runs from July 1 to September 30 on the 6th floor of the public library’s main branch library at 100 Larkin Street. 150 years strong, San Francisco’s cable car system is a symbol of the city.  "Innovation to Icon: 150 Years of Cable Cars" takes a visual journey through time that brings the incredible history of San Francisco’s beloved cable cars to life. Combining photographs, original documents, and unique memorabilia from the San Francisco History Center and the SFMTA Photo Archive, this exhibit showcases the spirit, ingenuity and timeless allure of a city icon.   Cable cars once dominated the transit scene in San Francisco. This 1890s shot was taken at M...

Get Your Transportation Needs Met in the Bayview By Christopher Kidd SFMTA staff tabling at Bayview Sunday Streets in May of 2023.  Starting this summer, Bayview-Hunters Point residents can get their transportation service needs met without having to leave the neighborhood! The Transportation Resource Center (TRC) at 5009 3rd Street is now open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and offers access to Muni resources.  Run by the SFMTA and Community Youth Center of San Francisco, the TRC is part of the larger SFMTA Bayview Community Shuttle Program .  There are many programs that make transportation more affordable and accessible for youth, seniors, low-income residents and residents with a disability – but learning about these programs or registering for them can be a challenge. The TRC makes information and services for transportation easily available for residents in Bayview-Hunters Point, with staff on site to help navigate forms and requirements. ...

SFMTA Expands Connection Between the Public and Staff Through New Podcast By   We have taken to the airwaves, or the “digital waves” anyway, with the new SFMTA podcast, Taken with Transportation .  Taken with Transportation showcases the people and policies that make accessible, equitable transportation possible in San Francisco, and two episodes already have dropped. The first brings listeners along for the ride aboard one of Muni’s hardest working bus lines: the 22 Fillmore. The second profiles several members of our transit car cleaning staff and takes a detailed look at the hard work they do to keep our buses, light rail vehicles and cable cars clean and safe.  Every episode will feature SFMTA staff members and offer listeners a deeper understanding of the agency. These stories will cover everything from the city’s streets to the SFMTA’s inner workings and offer insight and perspectives that aren’t available anywhere else. We’re passionate about the work we do an...

SFMTA and City Supervisors Collaborate on Arguello Boulevard Safety Project By Alejo Alvarado Safety improvements are coming to the full length of Arguello. Arguello Boulevard is getting a safety upgr ade. The SFMTA has begun work on the Arguello Safety Project to improve safety for everyone, particularly people who ride bicycles on Arguello Boulevard. The project covers Arguello between Golden Gate Park and the Presidio.   District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan and District 2 Supervisor Catherine Stefani called for protected bike lanes on Arguello Boulevard after a San Francisco bicyclist was struck and killed on Arguello in the Presidio on April 4, 2023. Supervisors Chan and Stefani each awarded the SFMTA $50,000 of Community Response Team funding to support safety improvements to Arguello Boulevard within city limits. In addition to this $100,000, the SFMTA will put money into the project , and staff will work closely with both Supervisors and ...

Celebrate Pride in San Francisco: Looking Back and Moving Forward By Enrique Aguilar SFMTA Pride Parade contingent in 2022. San Francisco has long been at the forefront of the LGBTQIA+ movement in the United States, and Pride is an integral part of the city’s cultural fabric. On Sunday, June 25, Market Street will come alive during the SF Pride Parade. This year's theme, "Looking Back and Moving Forward," embodies the spirit of reflection, progress and unity. Staff from the SFMTA will be participating in the parade and are ready to come together to celebrate!  Pride events are important to countless people. They offer a safe and accepting space where folks can express their true selves without fear or judgment. The celebration is a powerful reminder that everyone deserves acceptance and respect, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.   Pride Month events also acknowledge the contributions and struggles of the LGBTQ+ community throughout history. From th...

Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Diversity at the SFMTA By Enrique Aguilar Yves standing in front of a photo of his father at the SFMTA headquarters. This Pride Month, we are spotlighting some incredible people who work tirelessly behind the scenes at the SFMTA and are part of the agency's LGBTQIA+ community. Their dedication, passion and unique perspectives contribute to the success of our transportation system, making it a true reflection of the diverse customers we serve.  Yves Michael C. Valdez is an HR Analyst for Employee and Labor Relations and is passionate about helping others. Outside of work, Yves is an avid gardener who has cultivated a collection of dwarf Japanese maples, succulents and orchids.  Several key motivations led Yves to the SFMTA. He relied on public transit when he moved to San Francisco from the Philippines, and that left a lasting impression on him. The daily interactions and unique experiences of passengers, sometimes filled with drama, comedy and suspens...

Celebrating 150 Years of Cable Cars By Jeanne Brophy Powell Street Cable Cars Looking Down Powell Street Towards Sutter Street San Francisco’s iconic cable cars are turning 150 this year, and we’re throwing a party to celebrate! Today the SFMTA is kicking off a series of events that mark this sesquicentennial by offering residents and visitors a chance to learn more about the rich heritage and cultural significance of the cable car. The six-month celebration will take a journey through time and help people rediscover the allure of these cherished, moving city landmarks. Since their invention, cable cars have woven their way into the fabric of San Francisco, becoming a beloved symbol of the city. As part of the 150th anniversary celebration, unique "ghost" cable cars from vanished lines will make a remarkable return. Discover the craftsmanship behind these engineering marvels with the first-ever public tours of the Muni shop (video) where cable cars are built and maintai...

Towing in San Francisco Explained By Melissa Culross The sight drivers never want to see. You’re walking to your car, ready to jump in, when you look around and get a sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach. The car is not where you left it. Have you forgotten where you parked? Has it been stolen?   And then you realize that it has been towed.  At the SFMTA, we understand that retrieving a towed vehicle is expensive and inconvenient. You’re charged towing and administration fees, and if your car is at the impound lot for more than four hours, you are responsible for storage costs, as well. However, it’s important to remember that San Francisco streets are a shared public space, not anyone’s private parking spot.   SFMTA parking control officers may tow vehicles that cause a hazard or block transit lanes, fire hydrants or driveways. Towing when it’s necessary keeps our streets safe and accessible to everyone, but ultimately, the SFMTA wants to help people av...

June 10 Service Changes Add Muni Service on Connector Routes By Clive Tsuma Summer service changes will address crowding and wait times. The 44 O’Shaughnessy frequency will increase from every 12 minutes to every 10 minutes.  Starting Saturday, June 10, the SFMTA will launch summer Muni service, adding service on several routes to address crowding and wait times and to support increased summer tourism. Several stop changes will be introduced to serve more customers and make service more accessible and reliable.  These service changes prioritize supporting the city’s economic recovery and matching Muni service more closely to the needs of riders and their communities. We are working to build back our ridership by providing high-quality, reliable service that people can count on and riders are noticing !All of the service changes described here are cost neutral. This means that we are shifting available operators and vehicles to Muni lines that need more service to...