By Erica Kato
Despite the ups and downs of COVID-19 in 2022, the SFMTA has been highly productive so far this year, keeping everyone moving and supporting San Francisco’s recovery from the pandemic. We increased Muni service in February and April, completed the Van Ness Bus Rapid Transit corridor and have moved forward with our quick-build program that help us reap the benefits of safe street design faster than ever, among other accomplishments.
As we head in to the second half of the year, we continue to think creatively and expedite processes and practices that have traditionally required long lead times. We’re proud to give an update on some of our projects with significant milestones happening before year’s end. There’s a lot to look forward to.
Muni riders in the subway
Here's a snapshot of what we’re currently working on:
Muni Service:
- July 9, 2022: Muni service changes, including the restoration of the 2 Sutter (modified), 6 Haight-Parnassus, 21 Hayes (modified); to address changing travel patterns, modifying 23 Monterey, 28 19th Avenue, 43 Masonic, 49 Van Ness-Mission, 57 Parkmerced, 58 Lake Merced, L Bus.
- Fall 2022: Launch of Central Subway, realignment of rail service; service restoration and increased frequency to address changing travel patterns, as resources allow.
Muni Forward Projects:
- 29 Sunset Improvement Project outreach to begin
- J Church Improvement Project outreach to begin this summer to collect feedback on how to improve J Church. This fall, we will follow up with community on what we heard and what we propose to improve service and reliability on the J Church; late 2022 we will propose community-informed plan to MTA Board for approval
- K Ingleside planning with San Francisco County Transportation Authority underway
- M Ocean View Transit and Safety Project outreach underway
Muni Metro Modernization:
- Subway Renewal Program targeting strategic repair, replacement and enhancements continues with Fix It! Weeks scheduled for August and fall 2022
- Train Control Upgrade project goes to SFMTA Board for issuing request for proposal (RFP) in fall 2022
- Muni Metro Core Capacity Planning Study underway
New Buses:
- 30 El Dorado 32’ hybrid buses to be replaced by end of the year
- 9 of 12 electric buses delivered by end of year
- 30 Phase II LRV4 vehicles with accessibility improvements to be delivered by end of year
Customer Experience Improvements:
- Currently installing and testing new Customer Information System displays systemwide, focusing on neighborhoods identified by our Muni Service Equity Strategy.
- Upgraded system replacing the text-based system currently in use with one that uses a sophisticated, accurate vehicle arrival algorithm. Displays are larger and can display graphics. We are also implementing solar-powered signage.
- “Soft Launch” with several features will occur in September to support the opening of Central Subway, with more features released in December, and a public announcement in early 2023. Installation of new signage at transit shelters will be completed in January 2023.
- Safety Equity Initiative to reduce and eventually eliminate gender-based harassment and violence on Muni underway
- System maps will be replaced systemwide for July 9 service changes along with station signage being replaced throughout the year
Vision Zero Quick-Build Projects:
- Lake Merced Quick-Build: Outreach is completed, and project team is aiming for Board consideration to legislate in September, with implementation to follow.
- Bayshore Boulevard: Building on successful quick-builds already implemented from the Bayview Community-Based Transportation Plan, this project will continue to address safety needs in the area and has gone through a substantial portion of the outreach phase.
- Battery/Sansome: Aiming for MTA Board consideration and legislation this summer.
- Franklin Street: In response to a recent fatality in the project area, outreach is underway as of May for the quick-build concept.
- Hyde Street: This project builds on already substantial work in the Tenderloin including the recent project on Jones. Goal is to implement in 2023.
- Valencia Street: For this pilot project, the goal is to begin outreach in early July, implement and eventually study as an 18-month pilot.
Capital Projects:
- Construction continues on 16th Street Improvement Project, L Taraval Improvement Project and 28 19th Avenue Rapid Project
- Colorizing Mission Street transit lanes between 5th and 11th Streets
- Temporary HOV lanes pilot going to MTA Board July 19 for study to be extended
- Muni Transit Delay Hot Spots Quick-Build Program aimed at reducing delay on Muni’s 10 slowest segments with spot improvements, including 37 Corbett at Church and Market: Stop removal; 44 O’Shaughnessy at Woodside and Portola: Planning underway; 44 O’Shaughnessy at Silver and San Bruno: Outreach underway; 19 Polk at Larkin and O’Farrell: Planning underway.
New Parking Protected Bike Lane on Folsom Street in South of Market Area
Please continue to check back and check back often! As projects come closer to completion, we will have in-depth updates on many of these improvements. Our staff has answered the call to serve, and we will continue to step up and keep San Francisco moving. We look forward to seeing you aboard Muni and taking a bike ride or stroll. Be sure to check out the rest of our website and sign up for our text and e-mail alerts for more details on the projects and programs you’re interested in.
Published July 12, 2022 at 04:47AM
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