SFCTA Committee Discussion on Central Subway Extension Study

SFCTA Plans and Programs Committee Agenda

Item of Note:

9. T-Third Phase 3 Concept Study – INFORMATION* attachment  enclosure

Earlier this year, the Transportation Authority funded the T-Third Phase 3 Concept Study to assess the feasibility of extending the Central Subway rail service to North Beach and Fisherman’s Wharf. The Central Subway Light Rail line, also known as the T-Third Phase 2, will be completed in 2018, providing rail service as far north as Washington Street in Chinatown. At the request of Commissioner Chiu and community members interested in the possibility of preserving corridor rights-of-way for a potential extension project, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Authority (SFMTA), Transportation Authority, and Planning Department recently conducted the Concept Study to evaluate continuing rail service further north to Fisherman’s Wharf. This high-level technical feasibility study evaluated the potential benefits, costs and constructability of alternative alignments in three sample corridors. The study finds that several concepts are technically feasible, and most score in the highest category of the Federal Transit Administration’s cost effectiveness measures. All-underground concepts have the greatest benefits and remain cost effective despite higher costs. The study does not recommend a specific alternative or next steps, but is intended to inform several upcoming planning efforts (e.g. SFMTA’s Rail Capacity Study and the San Francisco Transportation Plan update) which will consider this project’s local and regional priority. This is an information item.