Covid-19 Muni Core Service Plan
Rebuilding Bay Area Transit
SFTR Survey Deadline
How to Save Transit in California
Upcoming Transit Events

This week, SFMTA will cut 70 Muni lines as a risk mitigation measure for operators and riders. Between reports of crowded buses on popular routes and the likelihood that 40% of Muni drivers won't be at work this week, SFMTA cannot safely and adequately maintain its current routes.

Director of Transportation Jeff Tumlin has publicly told people don't take transit if you have other options. Please leave Muni for those who absolutely depend on it for essential trips and to get to their essential jobs.

Almost a third of all essential workers rely on public transit, and those without transit alternatives will be hurt the most from these cuts. While these temporary changes are necessary to protect public health and safety, they clarify the need for a more robust, resilient transit system that can withstand future crises. Click here to find out more about SFMTA's service changes.

We thank SFMTA staff for their hard work to select routes by taking into account ridership patterns in recent weeks, grocery centers, medical centers, and communities with the least access to alternatives. We also take heart that at last the city has set up coronavirus testing for front line workers - and prioritizes bus operators in that group. As testing begins this week, fear can subside, and operators who are self-isolated out of an abundance of caution might be able to return to work sooner.

Are you riding Muni?

What's your experience? Please let us know. We're sheltering in place and have lost our usual daily connection with transit!

Rebuilding Bay Area Transit & AB 2057

Join us and our friends at Seamless Bay Area and Transform for a webinar about Bay Area transportation advocacy during this public health crisis, and how our transit system can emerge stronger and more resilient than before. We'll talk about advocating for transit funding; explain how today’s crisis relates to advancing greater coordination among Bay Area transit agencies; and provide updates on AB 2057, the Bay Area Seamless Transit Act.

Rebuilding Bay Area Transit & AB 2057
Thursday, April 9
12:00-1:00

Deadline Friday 4/10: Take the SFTR 2020 Riders Survey

We listen to and lead with riders. Our grassroots movement relies on the work of our members and volunteers to make change. Take the the 2020 Transit Riders Survey to help shape what transit advocacy and campaigns we take on next.

How to Save Transit in California

We have our work cut out for us to make sure public transit comes out of this emergency stronger than ever. Our transit agencies are going to need additional funds survive this pandemic and come back stronger on the other side. SFMTA estimates that it will lose between $295-$460 million in the next couple years as a result of the coronavirus. Our friends at TransForm have outlined four recommendations to secure operating funds for transit agencies without taking away money from other essential services, and to help riders through this tough time.

Transform's Recommendations:

1. Temporarily move funds from the Transit and Intercity Rail and Capital Program to the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program, which funds transit agency operations.
2. Move funds from the State Transportation Improvement Program to transit operations.
3. Move to fare-free service for the safety of short-term emergency operations.
4. Institute a universal statewide transit pass system as soon as possible. This will make transit more resilient, will enable fare-free transit to work more efficiently long term, and will allow riders with the ability to pay continue to do so.

These recommendations not only move transportation dollars to where they're most needed, but set us up for a just recovery. Check out their full blog post about how to save transit in California. We've signed on to support them, and soon they'll have a way for individuals to sign on too.

Transit Events

4/8 10am: Swiftly Webinar: Public Transit in the time of Covid

4/9 12pm: Seamless Bay Area Webinar: Rebuilding Bay Area Transit & AB 2057

4/9 5pm: SF Transit Riders Community Discussion: Improving the M-Ocean View

Take a Spin!

Under normal circumstances, we recommend taking Muni to get where you're going - but these are not normal circumstances! Spin can help you take your essential trips, and leave Muni to those who most need it during this crisis. Spin is helping fill the gaps in our transportation system, while supporting healthcare workers and social distancing with their scooters.

As part of their Everyday Heroes program, Spin is offering free 30-minute rides and free helmets to healthcare professionals. Sign up here.