Rescue Muni

Apparently “transit first” doesn’t actually include better transit infrastructure, at least when Hayes Valley is concerned. The SFMTA just approved changes to Hayes Street, (pdf) making it a two way street between Gough and Van Ness – but despite the heavy commute hour traffic, did not include any changes to the 21-Hayes routing nor any bus lanes. (SF Gate, SF Streetsblog.)

One minor change was included, to add a left turn arrow at Hayes and Gough – but this does nothing to get the buses out of the heavy traffic that occurs every evening from Market all the way to Gough, and that will only get worse with the removal of a traffic lane.

Rescue Muni has long supported a two way Hayes – but with a two way bus operation (requiring new overhead wires) to eliminate the wasteful inbound detour from Laguna to Polk, and also with an outbound rush hour bus lane. It’s disappointing that this option was not considered here. (To be fair, it was also excluded from the final Transit Effectiveness Project report, which doesn’t recommend any changes to the “local” 21 line.)

Riders wishing to avoid delays in the evening commute should take the 5-Fulton or 71-Haight/Noriega Limited and walk to Hayes.

The Planning Commission is considering redevelopment proposals for Treasure Island, the former naval base located in the middle of the bay, this Thursday. One key requirement for any redevelopment is much better public transit – not just the current 108 bus to downtown, but ferry service to downtown, bus service to Oakland, and better transit within the island. This could be paid for by extending the bridge toll to island drivers, eitehr in the morning rush (as proposed) or all day.

If you support better transit for Treasure Island and downtown SF, write the commission before Thursday to have your comments considered.

Tomorrow, the MTA Board will consider renaming the Geneva Yard in honor of Cameron Beach, who died suddenly last month after serving for four years on the MTA Board. Beach was a strong advocate for historic streetcar service and a very effective director and is much missed – this would be a great honor, and we encourage a YES vote!

Mayor Ed Lee has nominated Joel Ramos to fill the MTA Board seat vacated by the death of Cameron Beach. Ramos works for TransForm, a regional organization advocating for better public transit and walkable communities. In San Francisco, he currently serves on the Geary BRT CAC.

Peaking at 75% in Q1 2010, Muni’s on time performance continues to fall short of the 85% on time rate which was mandated by San Francisco voters 12 years ago. John Haley, Muni’s operations chief, said that some of the calculations are skewed by lines that have timed transfers, and the lengthy K-T line’s inability to adjust it’s schedule when delays occur. Haley said that he will continue to work on improving on time performance; one of the ways he plans to do so is by focusing more on mechanical and electronic repairs that can prevent vehicles from suddenly failing while in service.