Taken with Transportation Podcast: School Days

Taken with Transportation Podcast: School Days
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SFMTA School Crossing Guard Arturo Garcia helps pedestrians across Castro Street outside McKinley Elementary School.

A successful school day begins with students getting to class safely, and school crossing guards help San Francisco children and their parents navigate intersections near their campuses. “School Days,” the latest episode of the Taken with Transportation podcast, is focused on our School Crossing Guard program. This is part of the agency's larger effort to create safe and inviting streets. This school year, we have 180 crossing guards serving 106 public and private schools across about 154 intersections in San Francisco. 

Host Melissa Culross offers listeners a firsthand look at the program by interviewing school crossing guards Christian Frederick Lauser and Arturo Garcia in action. She also speaks with the School Crossing Guard Program’s acting manager, Karen Wong, and others. 

Lauser is a San Francisco native and has been working at the Chinese Immersion School at De Avila in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood for just under five years. “I’ve never had children. Been married a couple of times but never had children,” he tells Culross, adding that now he gets to watch the Chinese Immersion students grow up. “Throughout the years we build up a relationship, so they know me real well, and I know them. And it’s been fun [to] just see not only the physical growth but the intellectual growth and stuff.” 

Garcia is also a lifelong San Franciscan, and he keeps watch over the busy intersection of Castro and 14th Streets outside McKinley Elementary. “Even though this is a controlled intersection, it’s still pretty hazardous sometimes for pedestrians to get through,” he says. "And then sometimes pedestrians, themselves, are distracted. Pedestrians are looking at their phone, and they walk right into a situation, and I’ve had a couple of times where I’ve had to tell them, ‘Stop!’” 

SFMTA School Crossing Guard Christian Frederick Lauser at the corner of Central and Waller Streets near the Chinese Immersion School at De Avila.  

“[The] School Crossing Guard Program has been around San Francisco for a very long time,” says Wong. “It is important because this is one of the solutions for safe crossings.” 

You can find “School Days” and all the episodes of Taken with Transportation at our podcast page (SFMTA.com/Podcast). 

Published October 12, 2023 at 12:55AM
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What’s Next for the Hayes Street Weekend Street Closure

What’s Next for the Hayes Street Weekend Street Closure
By Monica Munowitch

San Francisco established the Shared Spaces program during the pandemic to make it possible for restaurants and neighborhood business districts, like Hayes Street, to have additional outdoor space in the form of parklets, sidewalk space and block closures they so desperately needed when it wasn’t safe to operate indoors. In addition to bringing people outdoors, it also brought people together, creating community and delight throughout our city. That’s why the Mayor and Board of Supervisors made Shared Spaces a permanent program to allow for outdoor dining and activations that will continue to support our businesses and commercial corridors and enliven our public spaces.  

This Summer, the Hayes Valley Merchant Council applied for a permit to continue their Hayes Street “Shared Street” block closure every weekend, including Fridays 4 to 10 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. While there was a lot of support to continue this closure, the City also heard a lot of concerns around safety and travel confusion. To develop next steps for the Hayes Street closure, city staff from the SFMTA, Mayor’s Office and Office of Small Business met with key stakeholders from each of the core Hayes Valley merchant and neighborhood groups to discuss their interests and concerns, and gain consensus about how to best close this busy stretch of the commercial corridor. The Hayes Valley Merchants Council completed its own membership survey, which showed strong support from residents to continue the three-day closure, while others wanted it reduced or removed entirely.  

Just as we adapted our streets to the conditions of the pandemic, we must also adapt our streets to the demands they face today in recovery. With that in mind, we have developed a set of recommendations to make sure the Hayes Street Shared Street closure continues to bring delight and community to the neighborhood, while minimizing unintended negative impacts on nearby businesses and other city operations.  

Once we developed recommendations for a path forward, city staff went door to door to speak with each of the merchants along the Hayes Valley commercial corridor to get their feedback and understand their needs and preferences. While the feedback ranged from a desire to keep the street closed all weekend (16% of corridor merchants) to a preference for it never being closed at all (11%), two thirds (66%) of corridor merchants preferred or were satisfied with the option of a Saturday one-day closure. Many merchants asked for more activation and programmed events during the closure, plus improved safety measures for moving through and around the closure. These discussions informed the final package of recommendations that will be considered by the SFMTA Board. 

Recommendations  

• Consolidate the street closure from three days a week to Saturdays from 1pm-10pm. We heard from some merchants that access to their businesses was being impacted by the recurring 3-day closure. The 3-day closure was also limiting emergency access by the Fire Department and impacting operations of the 21-Hayes Muni line. A one-day closure will allow the permit sponsor to focus their resources on creating a successful, consolidated event while accommodating the multitude of needs on the street during the other weekend times.  

• Incorporate activities to activate the block and bring more people to the neighborhood. A shared street should bring people together – and we’ve asked the permit sponsor organize activities such as music, games, and artists that enliven the space and create a destination.  

• Add new cones, barricades, signage and wayfinding at Gough and Octavia streets to minimize the double parking that has impacted emergency access and circulation. The SFMTA will provide new signs to help traffic navigate the street closure and a new barricade set-up to discourage people from double parking at the entrances. The agency will also prioritize new loading zone spaces near the Hayes intersections of Octavia and Gough to create more pick-up and drop-off zones and clearly delineate where food pickup activity should occur.  

• Monitor the closure. The City has asked the permittee to monitor the street closure to ensure people use it safely and do not drive through the closed street or double park at the cones and block emergency access.  

The City is committed to seeing the Hayes Street closure succeed and the neighborhood thrive. Our recommendations aim to address the diversity of current needs, interests and concerns we heard from merchants, residents and visitors so that Hayes Street can continue to bring people together. If it turns out that modifications need to be made over time, we can make changes in the future; and that could include extending hours, days and even blocks. We look forward to seeing you on Hayes Street! 

These recommendations will go to the SFMTA Board for approval on Tuesday, October 17. You can learn how to attend the Board meeting in person or virtually, and view the meeting agenda (https://www.SFMTA.com/Calendar/Board-Directors-Meeting-October-17-2023) which will be posted at the end of this week.

Published October 11, 2023 at 06:37AM
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SFMTA Projects Honored as Exemplars of Community Engagement

SFMTA Projects Honored as Exemplars of Community Engagement
By Che Harmon

Ambassadors helping people at Union Square Station on opening day of free weekend shuttle service in Central Subway, November 19, 2022.

The Central Subway and the Potrero Yard Modernization Project were both nationally recognized by the International Association for Public Participation at the IAP2 USA Core Values Awards in Seattle, Washington this September. Each year, the awards go to projects that demonstrate public engagement best practices and advance the field of public engagement.  

Both the Central Subway Project and Potrero Yard Modernization Project are prime examples of the positive effects that community engagement and effective public participation can have on public projects and programs. Both projects embody IAP2’s core values centered on the belief that the people affected by a decision have a right to be involved in decision-making and participate in shaping outcomes.  

Central Subway 

The Central Subway was awarded the Diversity, Inclusion and Culture Core Values Award and the Project of the Year Award for engaging with the diverse communities and neighborhoods impacted by the project. Our team focused on ensuring community voices were heard from day one of project planning up until the opening day of service for San Francisco’s first new subway in 50 years.  

Public input was critical in determining the locations of four new Central Subway stations, station design and station elements such as gathering spaces, retail spaces and a police sub-station. Diverse communities across San Francisco helped to shape the future of the subway thanks to a culturally appropriate outreach approach that ensured the community was heard and respected over the two decades of planning and construction.  

“The consistent commitment to outreach and involvement over a 20-year period is remarkable, through all the demographic changes, neighborhood transitions, changes in city administration and more recently the COVID pandemic. Most often, public participation occurs during the planning stage with only infrequent updates during construction,” said IAP2 USA President Heather Imboden. “[The] SFMTA provided a very good explanation of the initial problem and how additional problems that came up over time were addressed. They made strong use of multilingual ambassadors from the community while providing funding for initiatives to help the community.”  

The agency worked closely with valued community partners, including the Chinatown Community Development Center (CCDC), Community Youth Center (CYC), Chinatown merchant groups, Union Square Alliance, Yerba Buena Alliance, the Bayview community and many others. 

Potrero Yard 

Members of the public take a tour of the Potrero Yard in 2019 as part of the award-winning outreach program recognized in September by the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2). 

The Potrero Yard Modernization Project was awarded the General Project Award with its work to build a new state-of-the-art bus maintenance and storage facility that integrates affordable housing. It is the first joint development project of its kind in the United States.  

The project not only expands and modernizes a 100-year-old bus yard but also provides much-needed housing, community spaces and services that have been co-designed with the community. Community input continues to shape the project through initial planning, a sensitive procurement process and the launch of the City’s first public-private partnership to the 100% schematic designs we have today.  

IAP2 President Imboden commented, “It was remarkable that what could have been approached by [the] SFMTA as a simple modernization of a bus yard project instead acknowledged the community’s gentrification issues and created a multiple benefit project that addressed the community’s affordable housing challenges in a meaningful way.”  

A key part of the project’s engagement has been the Potrero Yard Neighborhood Working Group that was created in 2018. This group serves as a conduit to the greater community. Bilingual English-Spanish communications have also been part of public engagement from the start. 

For more information about the Potrero Yard Modernization Project, visit the project page (SFMTA.com/PotreroYard). 

The International Association for Public Participation’s guiding principles have been the foundation for the SFMTA’s Public Outreach and Engagement (POETs) program since its inception. To view the awards submissions and videos, visit the IAP2 2023 USA Core Values Awards website.

Published October 05, 2023 at 11:23PM
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New Rebate Programs Will Help Taxis Go Electric

New Rebate Programs Will Help Taxis Go Electric
By Asher Eskind

We are proud to announce the launch of two groundbreaking rebate programs to spearhead efforts to reduce vehicle emissions in the city's taxi industry. Supported by a generous grant of nearly $350,000 from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) and the San Francisco County Transportation Authority (TA), these initiatives represent a significant step towards a more environmentally friendly transportation landscape.

Clean Air Taxi Rebate: Accelerating the Shift to Electric Taxis

Building on its success since the program’s inception in 2012, the Clean Air Taxi Rebate program has been instrumental in reducing emissions from San Francisco's taxi industry. Low-emission vehicles comprise over 90% of the city's taxi fleet, making it one of the cleanest in the nation. 

Now, the SFMTA is taking a bold step forward to transition to a completely zero-emission taxi fleet. Under the Clean Air Taxi Rebate program, we will provide rebates ranging from $3,750 to $30,000 to qualifying taxi companies and operators who upgrade their previous gas-powered or hybrid taxis to electric vehicles (EVs). 

To participate in this program, taxi companies and operators must purchase an EV, and both new and used EVs are eligible for rebates. Participants also have the flexibility to lease EVs if they prefer.

EV Charging Infrastructure Rebate: Fueling the Future with Charging Stations  

In conjunction with the Clean Air Taxi Rebate, the SFMTA is introducing an EV Charging Infrastructure Voucher Rebate program to bolster the city's EV charging infrastructure, specifically for electric taxis. The SFMTA will provide a rebate of 90% of the total cost for the construction of EV charging stations. The estimated cost is $90,000 per charger for DC fast chargers with a six-vehicle-per-day capacity, which would yield a rebate of $81,000. To ensure efficient use of these charging stations, this rebate is exclusively available for permitted taxi companies.  

Both Programs: Transforming Transportation Together

Both the Clean Air Taxi Rebate and the EV Charging Infrastructure Rebate programs operate on a first-come, first-served basis and are expected to run for two years or until funding runs out. Should participation levels exceed expectations, the SFMTA will consider requesting additional funding from the BAAQMD and the TA on an annual basis to sustain these programs beyond 2025.  

If you have questions about these innovative rebate programs, please send an email to sftaxi@sfmta.com.  

For more detailed information regarding the EV taxi rebate please visit the Clean Air Taxi Rebate page (sfmta.com/clean-air-taxi-rebate) and for more information about the EV charging infrastructure visit the EV Charging Installation Rebate Page (sfmta.com/ev-charging-infrastructure-rebate). 

Published October 05, 2023 at 12:57AM
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Dominica Henderson Appointed to MTA Board of Directors

Dominica Henderson Appointed to MTA Board of Directors
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The SFMTA is thrilled to welcome Dominica Henderson to its Board of Directors. Director Henderson is a longtime public servant who has worked to improve housing policy in the Bayview community and create affordable housing opportunities for those in need. She was appointed in July and sworn in on September 26, 2023.  

A lifelong San Franciscan and resident of the Bayview neighborhood, Director Henderson’s goal as a member of the board is to advance a safe and equitable transportation network for all districts and communities in the city. She also shares a surprising connection with the agency, as her grandfather was a Muni and cable car operator for close to 25 years. Henderson considers both her lived experience and 20-year career in housing policy as key attributes in advocating for public transit initiatives and for developing safe, welcoming and sustainable communities.  

Director Henderson is the Chief Social Impact Officer for the Oakland Housing Authority (OHA) and oversees a staff that provides housing subsidies and resident services to 17,000 households. She is also responsible for OHA’s policy planning and government relations outreach. She previously served OHA as Director of Planning, Implementation and Compliance, ensuring that the Housing Authority adhered to all federal, state and local regulations. Henderson is also a former member of the Bayview Citizen’s Advisory Committee, where she advised on neighborhood planning and land use matters. She brings a wealth of experience in leadership roles, housing policy and community engagement to her position as an SFMTA board member.  

SFMTA Board of Directors    

The SFMTA is governed by a seven-member Board of Directors who are appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. The SFMTA Board of Directors provides policy oversight in accordance with the San Francisco Charter and the Transit-First Policy and serves as members of the San Francisco Parking Authority. The SFMTA Board of Directors generally meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 1 p.m. Meetings are open to everyone and are streamed live through SFGovTV. Additional information such as agendas, resolutions and legislation passed by the Board can be accessed at SFMTA Board page (SFMTA.com/Board).  

Published October 03, 2023 at 01:06AM
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Go Local. Muni Supports Small Businesses.

Go Local. Muni Supports Small Businesses.
By Sophia Scherr

An illustration for one of the featured neighborhood districts supporting the Take Muni to Support Small Business campaign, Artwork created by Dan Bransfield.

This week we are launching a campaign encouraging residents and visitors to take Muni to support San Francisco small businesses. The “Go Local” campaign is centered around defining the personalities of several neighborhood business districts, highlighting what makes them unique and promoting the benefits of taking Muni to shop, dine and explore.  

Economic Boost 

When you choose Muni for your daily commute or to explore the city, you're directly contributing to our local economy. Small businesses thrive when customers can easily access their shops, restaurants and services, as many of them rely on foot traffic and local patronage. By opting to take Muni, you're helping these businesses grow, create jobs and continue to enrich our city.  

Climate Conscious Choice 

Choosing Muni over private cars reduces carbon emissions and traffic congestion. It's a small thing that makes a big difference in our efforts to combat climate change.

Cost-Effective 

Rideshare costs can add up, and parking can be scarce and expensive. Shopping corridors can get congested, especially during peak hours and holidays. By opting to take Muni, you help reduce street congestion and you won’t need to spend time looking for parking. With various pass options (and no surge charging), Muni makes it easy to save money on your ride, leaving you with more spending money to support local restaurants, cafes and shops.  

About the Artwork and Artist 

SFMTA staff collaborated with San Francisco-based artist Dan Bransfield for the “Go Local” campaign. Bransfield is an award-winning illustrator, animator and author working in gouache, watercolors and ink, as well as digital media. The campaign artwork captures the vibrancy and culture of each neighborhood’s commercial corridors. Riders can spot the artwork on Muni, social media, digital ads and citywide outdoor media in the coming weeks. 

Look for the #GoLocalwithMuni social tags and keep an eye out for special collaborations with local social media influencers – each spotlighting different neighborhood destinations that offer the best shopping, dining and culture...all a Muni ride away.  

By choosing to Go Local you're not just embarking on an adventure; you're supporting the heart and soul of San Francisco - the small businesses that make our city shine. 

Visit the campaign page (SFMTA.com/GoLocal) to discover what each neighborhood has to offer.

Published September 27, 2023 at 12:43AM
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Taken with Transportation Podcast: Transit Month on Muni

Taken with Transportation Podcast: Transit Month on Muni
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September is Transit Month in the Bay Area and on the latest episode of Taken with Transportation, the official SFMTA podcast, host Melissa Culross talks with Muni riders in multiple neighborhoods who use our buses, streetcars and light rail vehicles as their principal means of transportation.  

“I just absolutely loathe driving, and the Muni gets me somewhere that I don’t have to drive,” says Erin Livingston, who has lived in San Francisco for almost a decade. “I have such fond memories of days that I had nothing to do, and me and my friends just kind of bopped around, and we took the Muni to one neighborhood and then took it another … and I think Muni is so quintessentially San Francisco.” 

“My family still doesn’t drive, I don’t drive,” San Francisco native Jennifer Borromeo says. “I’m so happy that I have a transportation system that’s reliable, something I can easily navigate with my parents as they’re getting older.” 

Culross also speaks with SFMTA Transit Director Julie Kirschbaum about service improvements and investments the agency is making, as well as Director of Transportation Jeff Tumlin about his favorite Muni line and the first he remembers riding. 

“We really want Muni to be something our customers can rely on,” Kirschbaum explains in the episode. “So, that means if you schedule service to come every ten minutes, that it comes every ten minutes. That the customer predictions are accurate; that the operator is friendly and safe. And that’s what I’m seeing in the system today. So, it’s something we’re really proud of.” 

You can hear this and all the Taken with Transportation episodes at our podcast page (SFMTA.com/Podcast), Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen. 

Published September 25, 2023 at 11:11PM
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