by Howard Wong, AIA, Committee Chair
TRANSIT UPDATES: SOME POSITIVES
Exploring cities, sights, neighborhoods, and outskirts via public transit seems more revealing than by car—whether by reliable full transit coverage or by deficient systems. Either way, public transit unveils how much a city cares about its people. Fortunately, San Francisco’s MUNI system has extensive routes, albeit not always reliable nor frequent throughout the days and evenings. With looming budget deficits and possible service cuts, everyone can help MUNI by riding transit—frequently and far afield—and learn a lot about the city in the process.
“It comes in handy in situations like that. People always expect you to be riding around in stretch limousines all the time, but I will sometimes take public transportation if it’s convenient, and it does surprise people, you see the heads turn.” Paul McCartney
30-Stockton
The workhorse 30-Stockton bus route has been extended further into the Presidio, making it even more useful. The new bus stop offers spectacular views, public restrooms, and an operator’s rest area. When Googling “SFMTA Trip Planner” and “SFMTA 30-Stockton Bus” (or for any route or destination), one discovers the 30-Stockton’s vast connectivity—from Oracle Stadium/Caltrain Station to SOMA/Downtown to Chinatown/North Beach to Fisherman’s Wharf/Ghirardelli Square to Marina Green/Crissy Field/Tunnel Tops Park/Presidio. Check out other neighborhood transit gems, like the 12-Folsom, 28-19th Avenue, and 39-Coit buses.
Muni Survey
Muni’s Rider Satisfaction Survey reveals highest rider satisfaction since 2001, with 72% of respondents rating Muni service as “excellent” or “good.” Also, most Muni riders now use transit for entertainment and recreation, rather than for commuting to work or school. New work-at-home and commute patterns necessitate reimagination of routes and schedules—to get people where they want to go, when they want to travel, and how they can get to big events and gatherings.
Ferry
A Hydrogen-fueled commercial passenger ferry, named the “Sea Change,” debuted on San Francisco Bay, with service between Pier 41 and the Ferry Building—a six-month demonstration project with free rides until the end of 2024. Zero-emission hydrogen fuel cells emit only water vapor—remineralized and used in the onboard water fountain. Because transportation is the largest source of carbon dioxide emissions, this prototype is an example of State cap-and-trade dollars used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, benefiting the economy, environment, public health, and disadvantaged communities.
L-Taraval
The L-Taraval metro returns to service after a five-year construction project, restoring the one-seat ride between Embarcadero Station and the San Francisco Zoo. Improvements included new boarding islands, pedestrian safety measures, digital displays, train control systems, and utility lines. Beset by impacts to commercial corridors and residents, the City provided some financial compensation to businesses. Westside residents remain concerned about MUNI’s proposal to require transfers at West Portal Station—a pandemic-realignment to reduce the number of trains in the Market Street tunnel.
Caltrain
Caltrain completes the switch from diesel to electric trains along its 51-mile route between San Francisco and Silicon Valley, making the trip faster, quieter, more comfortable, and frequent—while paving the way for future high-speed rail. Post-pandemic, with a 67% drop in ridership, electrification will help spur ridership numbers.
The Portal
Downtown Caltrain Extension (and high-speed rail) to the Salesforce Transit Center in downtown San Francisco gets federal pledge of $3.38 billion. Requiring local matching funds, the remaining $2.75 billion funding gap will be challenging. The project has two-thirds of its total $8.26 billion cost covered. The $728 million train box (underground space for train stations) has already been constructed as part of the Salesforce Transit Center (The Portal). Ultimately, The Portal will be a world-class state/ regional transportation hub for 12 transit systems, including 12 MUNI lines. Before the $2 billion Central Subway Project, The Portal was mandated by voters, first in line, and its earlier completion would have spurred post-pandemic downtown recovery.
METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION (MTC) Funding
The MTC Regional Transportation Funding Measure could address the fiscal crisis for all transit agencies in the nine Bay Area counties—but regional disputes nixed initial state-enabling legislation for the November 2026 ballot measure. An MTC Select Committee seeks consensus on 30-year funding sources (sales tax, payroll tax, property tax, or vehicle registration surcharge), funding distribution, funds for regional transit integration/transformation, and more. The Committee is studying options, including a four-county $540 million/year measure (funded by sales tax); a nine-county “Go Big” $1.5 billion/year measure (funded by a parcel or payroll tax); individual county measures; and variations. For a daunting two-thirds voter approval, concerns include polling, voter sentiment, competing bond/tax measures (like an MTC $20 billion Housing Bond), and the adequacy of funding to address needs.
Generally, MTC has made great strides in coordinating regional transit—with a new Regional Network Manager, formal coordination among 27 transit agencies, coordination of regional transfers/mapping/wayfinding/Clipper card accessibility, and more. But unlike the world’s great metropolitan transportation systems, the Bay Area’s current disjointed system is inefficient and not conducive to growing ridership.
Federal ADA
U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) acts on Disability Policy Priorities—to increase access to air travel, public transportation facilities, vehicles (including electric and automated), and rights-of-way; and to enable access to good-paying jobs and business opportunities for all. USDOT announced agreement that United Airlines will exceed Federal requirements to improve wheelchair/disabled access for air travel. USDOT has awarded billions of dollars (Biden Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) to modernize airport terminals, including wheelchair ramps, accessible restrooms, and more. USDOT finalized a rule requiring more accessible lavatories on new single-aisle aircraft in the short-term and larger accessible lavatories in the long-term. Also, USDOT proposes a rule to incorporate accessibility guidelines for pedestrian facilities in the public right-of-way, including sidewalks, crosswalks, pedestrian traffic signals, transit stops, and on-street parking. Currently, ADA compliance has been left to local/state governments for public pedestrian transportation facilities. The DOT rule will apply only to new construction or alterations to transit stops in the public right-of-way. NOTE: More than one in four—more than 70 million—adults in the United States reported having a disability.
