Recently, SFMTA introduced an on-demand microtransit shuttle service covering Bayview-Hunters Point, one of several Equity Priority Communities designated by the Bay Area’s Metropolitan Transportation Commission. Although the T-Third Muni Metro, opened in 2007, serves as the area’s transit backbone, it is considered slow and unreliable. Connections to regional transit like BART and Caltrain are insufficient, and employment and shopping opportunities in the area are limited. While wealthier Bayview residents have higher rates of car ownership and solo auto commutes compared to the rest of San Francisco, poorer residents remain largely dependent on public transit. The microtransit service is a result of the Bayview’s Community Based Transportation Plan, completed in 2020.

This is the first microtransit service in the City of San Francisco. On-demand microtransit has already been established in some communities on the Peninsula, South Bay, and East Bay. The CBTP recommended community shuttles because the steep hills discourage seniors from walking to access existing transit. This is a grant funded project that is scheduled to continue until 2026, and it is operated by the contractor Via, which also runs microtransit in other cities across the United States.

Riders can call or use the Bayview Shuttle App to request rides within the Bayview area, as well as between the Bayview and SF General Hospital, 24th/Mission BART, 22nd Street Caltrain, or Bayshore Caltrain. Service is available 7 days a week (7am – 7pm weekdays, 10am – 6pm weekend). Rides for the general public are “corner to corner,” with pickups and drop-offs at virtual bus stops. People with disabilities can request accessible vehicles and “door to door” service. The fare for the shuttle is the same as the fixed-route Muni and can be paid with the Muni Mobile App or Clipper Card. However, rides are free through December 11 of this year.

Generally, the operating cost per trip on microtransit is significantly higher than on fixed-route buses, but microtransit serves a need and clientele that are difficult to meet with fixed-route transit. Successful microtransit balances managing demand, maximizing productivity, and avoiding competition with existing fixed-route transit. If demand is too high and there aren’t enough drivers, wait times become excessive. Some cities have had to limit their microtransit programs, or even eliminate them entirely, due to their inability to meet demand and budget constraints.

As part of the CBTP, Muni also implemented the 15 Bayview/Hunters Point Express bus, using the same number 15 that ran along Third Street before the T line opened. This service supplements the T Third and provides direct service from the hills in Hunters Point.