Eyes on the Street: First Block of Muni’s Red Carpet Rolled Out on Market

The first segment of Market Street’s transit-only lanes was colored red this weekend, on the eastbound side between Fifth and Sixth Streets.

As we reported last week, the SFMTA is planning to roll out the “red carpet” for Muni riders on the existing bus lanes, between Fifth and 12th Streets. Riders on Muni’s F, 6, 9, 9L, 71, and 71L routes should see a faster, more reliable ride, as buses and streetcars will have to dodge fewer stray cars.

Drivers apparently need highly visible reminders to stay out of lanes reserved for buses, streetcars, and taxis. Muni bus operator Mariam Muller told ABC 7, “This is every day, all day” that Muni-only lanes are violated. “It’s very frustrating. A lot of the time, it is just for people to travel down the lane because the other lane is so congested. Bicyclists, they don’t want to use their own lane cause maybe of the congestion of the cars.”

After new red transit-only lanes were added on Church Street in spring of last year, the SFMTA said reliability for the 22-Fillmore and J-Church improved, with 20 percent of vehicles running closer to schedule. Speeds increased by 5 percent.

The Market lanes’ red paint job is expected to be completed in November, according to NBC.