Rescue Muni

Muni’s not the only regional transit system facing a fiscal emergency due to the economy. Caltrain (run by the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board) is also facing deep cuts in funding and is considering various options to address its $10M deficit, including possibly cancelling service on weekends. This isn’t likely to be approved, nor should it be – thousands of SF and regional riders count on Caltrain during “non-commute” hours to get to work, shopping, and entertainment, and the loss of weekend service would mean a huge inconvenience for these riders. (The Giants might have something to say about this too.) Fare increases are also on the table, as is a proposed $1 fee for bike commuters.

Public hearings are scheduled for Wednesday, June 4, at 10 am, at Caltrain headquarters, 1250 San Carlos Ave, San Carlos (near the San Carlos train station).

Regional commuters on BART are likely to see fares and fees go up this year due to budget shortfalls, today’s Chronicle reports. Among the options being considered are reduced frequency on weekends (from a frequency that is already quite low), higher parking fees at peak demand times, and deferred maintenance.

Other regional systems are facing similar shortfalls, mainly due to lower tax revenues in the slowing economy, despite increased ridership. Caltrain just increased fares at the beginning of the year, and although SFMTA is in the middle of a two year budget cycle, it too is facing higher costs and lower revenues.

SF Bay Area transit operators are hoping for new mass transit investment from the feds as part of the upcoming stimulus package as well as reauthorized transportation spending bills. Among the proposed projects are big BART expansions, Caltrain electrification, and Muni projects as small as upgraded fare gates and as large as the Central Subway. But will the new secretary of transportation share these goals? We shall see.

This time in Washington, DC, where ridership is up on all regional systems incluing Metro. Said Metro GM John Catoe this week, “There is a point at which we may see a massive move of commuters from driving to transit because of cost.”

Are Bay Area transit systems ready for big increases in ridership? Muni is working on the Transit Effectiveness Project, and BART and Caltrain are planning on expanded service, but if even 10% of auto drivers switch to transit due to gas prices, will our region be ready?

The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (who brought us Translink) is looking for your input on their Regional Transportation Plan. They update this every three years, so once again we have a chance to comment on what projects are the top priority – this time stretching out to 2035. (The last one was adopted in 2005, with projects extending to 2030.) Details:

Transportation 2035: Public Input Sought in SF on May 22nd
MTC is seeking input on the next phase of the development of the Transportation 2035 Plan after extensive outreach last fall about the trade-offs among various options for investing the regions limited transportation resources. A series of nine workshops – one in each of the nine Bay Area counties – is scheduled for the public to participate in the debate. The new plan – due for adoption in early 2009 – will detail a comprehensive strategy to not only protect our existing transportation assets but also to accommodate future growth, alleviate congestion, reduce pollution and ensure mobility for all Bay Area residents, regardless of income.

There will be one session in San Francisco – come and join the discussion. Refreshments will be provided.

Thursday, May 22, 2008, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

City and County of San Francisco Transportation 2035 Workshop
San Francisco State Downtown Campus, Room E673
835 Market Street, San Francisco