Eyes on the Street: New Muni Signage, Route Names, and Maps in Action

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.”