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Some 60 Supervisors, transit officials and determined activists, rode buses and trains to an event this morning to thank transit operators for their hard work through the pandemic and to renew the push for more service and funding for Muni. "Thanks to the operators who showed up in a terrible time," said District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, praising the bravery SFMTA staff showed during the height of the COVID pandemic, when many operators were getting sick. Despite that, service, scaled back to core routes, continued to operate. "MTA was recognized nationally... you should be proud as we approach the end of the pandemic."
Mayor London Breed confessed to wearing a disguise when she rides Muni so she can get some peace during her rideMayor London Breed confessed to wearing a disguise when she rides Muni so she can get some peace during her ride
Mayor London Breed, Supervisor Matt Haney and other familiar faces at City Hall joined in the praise, adding that they want Muni to return to 100 percent service. "We are committed to funding Muni, to funding SMFA," said Haney.
Supervisor Matt Haney at the eventSupervisor Matt Haney at a transit event in 2019. Photo: Streetsblog/rudick
Several politicians and advocates also praised the implementation of free fares for youths. Advocates with the San Francisco Transit Riders, which hosted the event, agreed. "Free Muni for all youth is great," said Calvin Quick, who had ridden to the event on the 5 Fulton bus. But he worried that the availability of the new pass wasn't yet well known. "It doesn't get passed on to the students in school."
Others stressed that the talk doesn't always translate into policy. "Thanks for leading by example," said the San Francisco Transit Rider's Cat Carter to the politicians and advocates. "We talk about transit first but fall short of that ideal."
But most people were just glad to see the city slowly emerging from the pandemic. "It's great to be riding Muni again," said Austin Elliott, who arrived with his dog Ajira. "I hope this city can get the world-class transit system it should have."
Austin Elliott, sporting an on-message t-shirt, and his dog AjiraAustin Elliott, sporting an on-message t-shirt, and his dog Ajira
"Everybody should be able to get around our city without a car," concluded Mandelman.