Category Archives: Muni

L Taraval rail service to return

After five years of construction, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency is preparing to restore rail service on the L Taraval line, which serves the Parkside neighborhood and the San Francisco Zoo. Since 2020, buses have operated on the line. The start date of the restored rail service is September 28.

Similar to the Van Ness Bus Rapid Transit project, the construction involved replacing underground water and sewer infrastructure, as well as tracks and overhead wires that power the trains. The project also installed boarding islands along Taraval, where L line passengers previously boarded and exited the train from the adjacent travel lane. Sidewalk bulbouts and traffic signals were built at various locations to improve pedestrian safety.

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Private commuter buses vs. Muni in San Francisco

In recent years, there is a debate between the role of private commuter buses (which includes shuttles, Google buses, and now a start up called Leap Transit). Many people support such concepts because it bring new options to commuters and reduce dependence on automobiles. Others are against it because it would somehow compete with Muni and result in a two tier transit system. Many are also concerned about it has impacted Muni because many of the private buses use Muni stops and at times delay Muni buses.

Private transit services, which I also happens to operate, is an important transportation element for large metropolitan areas. Also having served on SamTrans Citizens Advisory Committee for 9 years, I can see the differences between the public and private sectors and why many employers and riders are turning to the private sector as a way to get more transit. Continue reading Private commuter buses vs. Muni in San Francisco