Muni Musings

No Improvement in Service

In 2014 San Francisco voters passed a $500 million bond measure to provide funding for Muni. One would be hard-pressed to see any improvement in Muni or in infrastructure; however, construction and utility improvement is going on at a record pace, obstructing Muni flow. Muni is eliminating bus stops, causing a hardship on the elderly and disabled. Nor are hospitals being spared the disruption; for instance the 33 Bus that stops at San Francisco General is slated for discontinuance.

Private Taxi Services Adding to Congestion

As with Airbnb in the housing sector, Uber, Sidecar and Lyft are dictating how we provide transportation services. These supposed new type of taxi service are causing more traffic congestion. In fact, Uber alone is planning on adding additional 120 vehicles on our streets, ostensibly to “improve” traffic flow.

Private Buses Disrupting Transit

If Assembly Bill 61 is enacted, it will give the green light for the behemoth private buses to use our Muni bus stops. These buses constantly interfere with public transit and threaten pedestrians, and no EIR has been done.

Who Wins?

Studies have shown that residential homeowners and business owners are reaping the rewards for being near bus stops. It is estimated that property values have increased by $100,000 or more in the area of stops. In the meantime renters are either being evicted or have their rent increased due to the proximity of bus stops used by private bus companies.

Paying Fair Share?

As it is, private buses do not pay their fair share of costs. The costs include wear and tear on our roads and congestion that is impeding commerce as well as drivers headed for work.

The City charges minimal fees for private vehicle access to public bus stops, in the ludicrous range of $1 to $3.50. A study needs to be done to establish a more realistic fee per vehicle in light of infrastructure maintenance costs and disruption at Muni stops.

— Glenn Rogers