"14-Limited" buses fly the new flag, "14 Rapid." Photo: Jessica Kuo"14-Limited" buses fly the new "14 Rapid" flag. Photo: Jessica Kuo
The SFMTA launched its "Muni Forward" wayfinding upgrades this weekend with new shelter features, sign posts, and changes to some bus route names. In the most sweeping change, the former "Limited" buses can now be seen rolling with the new "R" mark for "Rapid."
The SFMTA is installing new Muni stop sign poles, which include solar-powered lanterns that light them at night, featuring the new route designations. The new, more legible Muni map can also be found at a growing number of stop shelters and stations.
It's all part of the launch of Muni's largest service increase since 1980 under Muni Forward, which officials promise is "long term, focused and systematic." The service increase, the first of three waves, provides more frequent service for about 165,000 daily riders along nine of Muni's busiest routes, including the 38-Geary, 5-Fulton, and 14-Mission. Much of the boost goes toward express and rapid services.
Muni riders can also expect to see new 60-foot-long hybrid electric buses, which were unveiled last week. to roll out soon. Aside from neat features like the ability to run on battery for up to seven miles if the power poles detach from overhead wires, the SF Chronicle reported that on the inside of the buses, Muni's effort to "eradicate negative and threatening messaging" is visually evident. The buses do not feature the familiar statement, “Information Gladly Given But Safety Requires Avoiding Unnecessary Conversation.”
SFMTA officials cut the ribbon on the first newly-upgraded shelter on Geary Street in the Tenderloin. Photo: SFCTA/TwitterSFMTA officials cut the ribbon on the first newly-upgraded shelter on Geary Street in the Tenderloin. Photo: SFMTA
Some SFMTA planners are pretty excited about the new map. Photo: Jessica KuoSome SFMTA planners are pretty excited about the new map. Photo: Jessica Kuo
Aaron was the editor of Streetsblog San Francisco from January 2012 until October 2015. He joined Streetsblog in 2010 after studying rhetoric and political communication at SF State University and spending a semester in Denmark.