SFTRU

Just how bad is Muni? And is it getting any better? Supervisor Scott Wiener has called for monthly reports from the SF Municipal Transportation Agency and the City Controller's Office to tally up the true cost of transit delays and track progress on Muni's reliability.

The San Francisco Civil Grand Jury released a report [PDF] today blasting Muni's regular practice of dumping riders and turning vehicles around early.

With Muni all-door boarding underway, other transit agencies are watching and bus riders are catching on -- hopefully. To ensure a smooth transition to the new policy -- which will help Muni maximize the benefits of faster boardings and higher fare compliance -- the SF Transit Riders Union has created a brochure explaining the rules and etiquette of the all-door boarding system.

A preferred design for Van Ness Bus Rapid Transit was approved unanimously today by the Board of Supervisors, acting as the SF County Transportation Authority Board. Supervisor Mark Farrell, who delayed approval of the proposal a month ago after complaining that he "hadn't been briefed" on it, said he now stands behind the project after SFCTA staff brought him up to speed.

As if squeezing onto the 30-Stockton wasn't already undignifying enough, Muni riders on Stockton Street soon face a four-year detour to make room for the construction of the Central Subway project.

San Francisco's next mayor will wield immense influence over whether the city takes the necessary steps to reform its transit system and get Muni up to speed.

Muni may be having trouble acquiring cash these days, but there's one thing that's never in short supply for the transit agency: advice.