George Kelly

Full service resumed on BART on Friday, but riders faced &#8220;major delays&#8221; hours after a computer networking problem forced the complete shutdown of the system.

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Full service resumed on BART on Friday, but riders faced "major delays" hours after a computer networking problem forced the complete shutdown of the system.

Full service resumed on BART on Friday, but riders faced &#8220;major delays&#8221; hours after a computer networking problem forced the complete shutdown of the system.

All stations were open and trains were running on all lines around 9:20 a.m., an agency spokesperson said. But there were delays of 20 minutes.

All stations were open and trains were running on all lines around 9:20 a.m., an agency spokesperson said. But there were delays of 20 minutes.

BART blamed the disruption on an issue with its train-control system and computer networking problems.

BART blamed the disruption on an issue with its train-control system and computer networking problems.

&#8220;Earlier this morning, BART was unable to properly power up our train control system which prevented us from safely operating trains,&#8221; said Filippi.

"Earlier this morning, BART was unable to properly power up our train control system which prevented us from safely operating trains," said Filippi.

&#8220;Earlier this morning, BART was unable to properly power up our train control system which prevented us from safely operating trains,&#8221; said Filippi.

It’s not just you — BART sucks on Tuesdays now

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Muni and AC Transit were <a href="https://511.org/alerts/critical">providing mutual aid</a> for stranded passengers. Muni said later that it was not experiencing any &#8220;major impacts&#8221; on its service and that it was running extra buses and an extra train. Larger boats would be running on the <a href="https://x.com/SFBayFerry/status/1920835232711733692">San Francisco Bay Ferry&#8217;s routes</a> to accommodate extra riders as well.

Muni and AC Transit were <a href="https://511.org/alerts/critical">providing mutual aid</a> for stranded passengers. Muni said later that it was not experiencing any "major impacts" on its service and that it was running extra buses and an extra train. Larger boats would be running on the <a href="https://x.com/SFBayFerry/status/1920835232711733692">San Francisco Bay Ferry's routes</a> to accommodate extra riders as well.

Muni and AC Transit were <a href="https://511.org/alerts/critical">providing mutual aid</a> for stranded passengers. Muni said later that it was not experiencing any &#8220;major impacts&#8221; on its service and that it was running extra buses and an extra train. Larger boats would be running on the <a href="https://x.com/SFBayFerry/status/1920835232711733692">San Francisco Bay Ferry&#8217;s routes</a> to accommodate extra riders as well.

At the Powell Street station, travelers toted rolling suitcases, backpacks, and neck pillows as they waited at the gates.

At the Powell Street station, travelers toted rolling suitcases, backpacks, and neck pillows as they waited at the gates.

Passengers gather outside the gates to the BART station at Powell Street on May 9, 2025. Service was halted on the entire system.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1882" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/pxl_20250509_150622348.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows people with luggage inside a BART station entrance, surrounded by closed gates and caution tape. Some individuals are talking, and others are walking." class="wp-image-397522"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Passengers gather outside the gates to the BART station at Powell Street on Friday.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/pxl_20250509_150622348.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows people with luggage inside a BART station entrance, surrounded by closed gates and caution tape. Some individuals are talking, and others are walking." class="wp-image-397522"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Passengers gather outside the gates to the BART station at Powell Street on Friday.</figcaption></figure>

&#8220;I was going to ride BART to go to the airport,&#8221; said Darick, who was visiting from Mexico. He and a friend planned to use Uber to get to SFO instead.

"I was going to ride BART to go to the airport," said Darick, who was visiting from Mexico. He and a friend planned to use Uber to get to SFO instead.

&#8220;I was going to ride BART to go to the airport,&#8221; said Darick, who was visiting from Mexico. He and a friend planned to use Uber to get to SFO instead.

Ron Rodriguez was trying to use BART to get to his job with Hertz in San Bruno.

Ron Rodriguez was trying to use BART to get to his job with Hertz in San Bruno.

&#8220;I came here to go to work, found a bunch of people standing around, all the gates were closed,&#8221; said Rodriguez.

"I came here to go to work, found a bunch of people standing around, all the gates were closed," said Rodriguez.

&#8220;I came here to go to work, found a bunch of people standing around, all the gates were closed,&#8221; said Rodriguez.

Commuters trying to reach San Francisco from Berkeley, Oakland and other parts of the East Bay crowded into AC Transit buses that were headed to the downtown Salesforce Transit Center. Would-be riders in West Oakland were prevented from boarding one bus that had passengers jockeying for limited space in the aisle.

Commuters trying to reach San Francisco from Berkeley, Oakland and other parts of the East Bay crowded into AC Transit buses that were headed to the downtown Salesforce Transit Center. Would-be riders in West Oakland were prevented from boarding one bus that had passengers jockeying for limited space in the aisle.

“We apologize for the disruptive morning and not having train service to get people where they need to go,” BART General Manager Bob Powers said in a <a href="https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2025/news20250509">statement</a> Friday expressing resolve toward improvement and gratitude to partnering transit agencies. “Reliability is our brand, and we understand the impact when the system isn’t working. This came down to the fact our control room did not have visibility of our system, and we will not run service if we can’t guarantee safety.&#8221;

“We apologize for the disruptive morning and not having train service to get people where they need to go,” BART General Manager Bob Powers said in a <a href="https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2025/news20250509">statement</a> Friday expressing resolve toward improvement and gratitude to partnering transit agencies. “Reliability is our brand, and we understand the impact when the system isn’t working. This came down to the fact our control room did not have visibility of our system, and we will not run service if we can’t guarantee safety."

“We apologize for the disruptive morning and not having train service to get people where they need to go,” BART General Manager Bob Powers said in a <a href="https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2025/news20250509">statement</a> Friday expressing resolve toward improvement and gratitude to partnering transit agencies. “Reliability is our brand, and we understand the impact when the system isn’t working. This came down to the fact our control room did not have visibility of our system, and we will not run service if we can’t guarantee safety.&#8221;

Noah Baustin contributed reporting.

Noah Baustin contributed reporting.

BART service resumes after morning meltdown

Stephanie K. Baer

Transit officials said to expect street closures and rerouted buses in Downtown San Francisco on Saturday because of an anti-abortion march and counterprotests. Drivers should also expect traffic disruptions across the city.

Transit officials said to expect street closures and rerouted buses in Downtown San Francisco on Saturday because of an anti-abortion march and counterprotests. Drivers should also expect traffic disruptions across the city.

Participants of the annual Walk for Life are expected to gather at Civic Center Plaza starting at 10 a.m. before marching down Market Street toward the Embarcadero around 1:30 p.m. As a result, Muni will <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/walk-life-saturday-january-20-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reroute buses</a> that serve or cross Market Street from as early as 9 a.m. to around 4:30 p.m., the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency said.

Participants of the annual Walk for Life are expected to gather at Civic Center Plaza starting at 10 a.m. before marching down Market Street toward the Embarcadero around 1:30 p.m. As a result, Muni will <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/walk-life-saturday-january-20-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reroute buses</a> that serve or cross Market Street from as early as 9 a.m. to around 4:30 p.m., the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency said.

The reroutes will affect the following bus lines: F Market &amp; Wharves, 1 California, 2 Sutter, 5 Fulton, 6 Haight/Parnassus, 7 Haight/Noriega, 8 Bayshore, 9 San Bruno, 12 Folsom/Pacific, 14 Mission, 14R Mission Rapid, 15 Bayview Hunters Point Express, 19 Polk, 21 Hayes, 27 Bryant, 30 Stockton, 31 Balboa, 38 Geary, 38R Geary Rapid, and 45 Union/Stockton.

The reroutes will affect the following bus lines: F Market &amp; Wharves, 1 California, 2 Sutter, 5 Fulton, 6 Haight/Parnassus, 7 Haight/Noriega, 8 Bayshore, 9 San Bruno, 12 Folsom/Pacific, 14 Mission, 14R Mission Rapid, 15 Bayview Hunters Point Express, 19 Polk, 21 Hayes, 27 Bryant, 30 Stockton, 31 Balboa, 38 Geary, 38R Geary Rapid, and 45 Union/Stockton.

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/18/traffic-chaos-levis-stadium-49ers-playoffs/">Traffic Chaos, Rain Could Dampen San Francisco 49ers Playoff Game at Levi’s Stadium</a>

Traffic chaos, rain could dampen San Francisco 49ers playoff game at Levi&#8217;s Stadium

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/18/traffic-chaos-levis-stadium-49ers-playoffs/">Traffic Chaos, Rain Could Dampen San Francisco 49ers Playoff Game at Levi’s Stadium</a>

The following streets will also be closed to traffic from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.:

The following streets will also be closed to traffic from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.:

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Market Street&nbsp;between Ninth and Steuart streets</li>



<li>McAllister Street between Polk and Larkin streets</li>



<li>Polk&nbsp;Street between McAllister and Grove streets</li>



<li>Larkin&nbsp;Street between McAllister and Hayes streets</li>



<li>Grove&nbsp;Street between Polk and Market streets</li>
</ul>

Market Street&nbsp;between Ninth and Steuart streets

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<li>Market Street&nbsp;between Ninth and Steuart streets</li>

McAllister Street between Polk and Larkin streets

<li>McAllister Street between Polk and Larkin streets</li>

Polk&nbsp;Street between McAllister and Grove streets

<li>Polk&nbsp;Street between McAllister and Grove streets</li>

Larkin&nbsp;Street between McAllister and Hayes streets

<li>Larkin&nbsp;Street between McAllister and Hayes streets</li>

Grove&nbsp;Street between Polk and Market streets

<li>Grove&nbsp;Street between Polk and Market streets</li>

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<ul><li>Market Street&nbsp;between Ninth and Steuart streets</li><li>McAllister Street between Polk and Larkin streets</li><li>Polk&nbsp;Street between McAllister and Grove streets</li><li>Larkin&nbsp;Street between McAllister and Hayes streets</li><li>Grove&nbsp;Street between Polk and Market streets</li></ul>

The SFMTA said this year&#8217;s street closures and Muni reroutes were expanded due to expected counterprotests.

The SFMTA said this year's street closures and Muni reroutes were expanded due to expected counterprotests.

The SFMTA said this year&#8217;s street closures and Muni reroutes were expanded due to expected counterprotests.

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/11/san-francisco-street-parking-crosswalks-california-law/">San Francisco Is Losing 14,000 Street Parking Spaces. Here’s Why</a>

San Francisco is losing 14,000 street parking spaces. Here’s why

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/11/san-francisco-street-parking-crosswalks-california-law/">San Francisco Is Losing 14,000 Street Parking Spaces. Here’s Why</a>

Every January, on or around the anniversary of the Supreme Court&#8217;s Roe v. Wade decision, anti-abortion protesters from across Northern California march down Market to the Embarcadero for the Walk for Life.&nbsp;A <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/01/24/white-supremacists-infiltrated-last-weekends-giant-anti-abortion-march/">scuffle broke out</a> at last year&#8217;s demonstration after a small group of men walked into a counterprotest and unfurled a white supremacist banner.

White supremacists infiltrated last weekend’s giant anti-abortion march

Every January, on or around the anniversary of the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision, anti-abortion protesters from across Northern California march down Market to the Embarcadero for the Walk for Life.&nbsp;A <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/01/24/white-supremacists-infiltrated-last-weekends-giant-anti-abortion-march/">scuffle broke out</a> at last year's demonstration after a small group of men walked into a counterprotest and unfurled a white supremacist banner.

Every January, on or around the anniversary of the Supreme Court&#8217;s Roe v. Wade decision, anti-abortion protesters from across Northern California march down Market to the Embarcadero for the Walk for Life.&nbsp;A <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/01/24/white-supremacists-infiltrated-last-weekends-giant-anti-abortion-march/">scuffle broke out</a> at last year&#8217;s demonstration after a small group of men walked into a counterprotest and unfurled a white supremacist banner.

More information about the reroutes and transfer options is available on the <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/walk-life-saturday-january-20-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SFMTA website</a>.

More information about the reroutes and transfer options is available on the <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/walk-life-saturday-january-20-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SFMTA website</a>.

Anti-abortion march on Saturday will close San Francisco streets, force bus reroutes

A BART station in Downtown San Francisco reopened Tuesday evening after a person was found dead aboard a train.

A BART station in Downtown San Francisco reopened Tuesday evening after a person was found dead aboard a train.

At 5:26 p.m., BART police responded to a report of an unresponsive male from community service officers checking a Dublin-bound train at the system&#8217;s Embarcadero Station, according to a police statement.

At 5:26 p.m., BART police responded to a report of an unresponsive male from community service officers checking a Dublin-bound train at the system's Embarcadero Station, according to a police statement.

At 5:26 p.m., BART police responded to a report of an unresponsive male from community service officers checking a Dublin-bound train at the system&#8217;s Embarcadero Station, according to a police statement.

When officers arrived, they found a person and administered a dose of Narcan. Moments later, San Francisco Fire Department firefighters arrived to provide care, but paramedics soon declared the male deceased aboard a train.

When officers arrived, they found a person and administered a dose of Narcan. Moments later, San Francisco Fire Department firefighters arrived to provide care, but paramedics soon declared the male deceased aboard a train.

There were no indications of any foul play, and the station was briefly closed, BART spokesperson Anna Duckworth said.

There were no indications of any foul play, and the station was briefly closed, BART spokesperson Anna Duckworth said.

Staffers with the city&#8217;s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner responded to the scene to take possession of the body. The office identified him Thursday as Calvin Dunston, 55, of Alameda County.

Staffers with the city's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner responded to the scene to take possession of the body. The office identified him Thursday as Calvin Dunston, 55, of Alameda County.

Staffers with the city&#8217;s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner responded to the scene to take possession of the body. The office identified him Thursday as Calvin Dunston, 55, of Alameda County.

Trains resumed traffic to the station shortly after 6 p.m.&nbsp;

Trains resumed traffic to the station shortly after 6 p.m.&nbsp;

The death is the second this week on BART property, following the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/25/east-bay-man-found-dead-outside-bart-station/">discovery</a> of a man&#8217;s body in a parking garage outside the Daly City station.

Bay Area man found dead outside BART station

The death is the second this week on BART property, following the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/25/east-bay-man-found-dead-outside-bart-station/">discovery</a> of a man's body in a parking garage outside the Daly City station.

The death is the second this week on BART property, following the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/25/east-bay-man-found-dead-outside-bart-station/">discovery</a> of a man&#8217;s body in a parking garage outside the Daly City station.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/15/bart-san-francisco-bound-trains-stench/">A Mysterious ‘Rotting Corpse’ Smell Is Perplexing BART Rider</a>s

A mysterious ‘rotting corpse’ smell is perplexing BART riders

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/15/bart-san-francisco-bound-trains-stench/">A Mysterious ‘Rotting Corpse’ Smell Is Perplexing BART Rider</a>s

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/25/bart-wrestles-with-drug-use-overdoses-as-riders-shy-away/">Seven people died on the BART</a>&nbsp;system in the first three months of the year, according to data obtained from a public records request. Nearly all were due to suspected overdoses.

BART safety: Drug overdose deaths on track to surge in 2023

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/25/bart-wrestles-with-drug-use-overdoses-as-riders-shy-away/">Seven people died on the BART</a>&nbsp;system in the first three months of the year, according to data obtained from a public records request. Nearly all were due to suspected overdoses.

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/23/bart-drug-overdose-deaths-san-francisco-bay-area/">Two others</a> died Nov. 23 in Oakland and San Francisco stations, despite the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/17/overdose-reversal-narcan-guide/">administration of Narcan</a>.

2 dead at San Francisco, Oakland BART stations despite Narcan doses

San Francisco is experiencing a record number of drug overdoses. Here&#8217;s how to reverse one

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/23/bart-drug-overdose-deaths-san-francisco-bay-area/">Two others</a> died Nov. 23 in Oakland and San Francisco stations, despite the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/17/overdose-reversal-narcan-guide/">administration of Narcan</a>.

Unattended deaths on BART property have gradually ticked up over the past few years, in line with the growing severity of the fentanyl crisis.&nbsp;

Unattended deaths on BART property have gradually ticked up over the past few years, in line with the growing severity of the fentanyl crisis.&nbsp;

Last year’s 19 deaths are almost double the 11 unattended deaths on BART in 2021, a slight increase from the 10 people found dead on the system in 2020. In 2019, BART reported 12 such deaths.

Last year’s 19 deaths are almost double the 11 unattended deaths on BART in 2021, a slight increase from the 10 people found dead on the system in 2020. In 2019, BART reported 12 such deaths.

BART station in San Francisco reopens after person found dead on train

Joel Umanzor

Various public transportation agencies around the Bay Area will run additional trains and extend service past midnight when the BeyHive descends on the region for Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour at Levi’s Stadium next week.

Various public transportation agencies around the Bay Area will run additional trains and extend service past midnight when the BeyHive descends on the region for Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour at Levi’s Stadium next week.

Attendees of the show, which is scheduled for 8 p.m. Wednesday, can get to Levi’s by riding BART, Caltrain or the Capitol Corridor.

Attendees of the show, which is scheduled for 8 p.m. Wednesday, can get to Levi’s by riding BART, Caltrain or the Capitol Corridor.

core/heading

BART riders can get down to Santa Clara by hopping on the Berryessa line and transferring at the Milpitas station to a Santa Clara Valley Transit Authority light rail that ends up at the Great America station.

BART riders can get down to Santa Clara by hopping on the Berryessa line and transferring at the Milpitas station to a Santa Clara Valley Transit Authority light rail that ends up at the Great America station.

There will be additional trains from Milpitas, which are expected to run after the last regularly scheduled train leaves the station at 11:51 p.m., according to BART.

There will be additional trains from Milpitas, which are expected to run after the last regularly scheduled train leaves the station at 11:51 p.m., according to BART.

“This is the last train that will get you to all BART stations in the system,” the agency said. “BART will run two special-event service limited-stop trains that will depart Milpitas Station at around 12:30 a.m., serving limited stops after regular BART service ends.”

“This is the last train that will get you to all BART stations in the system,” the agency said. “BART will run two special-event service limited-stop trains that will depart Milpitas Station at around 12:30 a.m., serving limited stops after regular BART service ends.”

The trains that leave after midnight will only stop at Bay Fair, MacArthur, Pleasant Hill and El Cerrito del Norte, BART added.

The trains that leave after midnight will only stop at Bay Fair, MacArthur, Pleasant Hill and El Cerrito del Norte, BART added.

Riders can check BART’s Milpitas station schedule <a href="https://www.bart.gov/stations/mlpt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.

Riders can check BART’s Milpitas station schedule <a href="https://www.bart.gov/stations/mlpt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.

Riders needing to get back to San Francisco can either take BART’s last regular-service train from Milpitas or take Caltrain.

Riders needing to get back to San Francisco can either take BART’s last regular-service train from Milpitas or take Caltrain.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Caltrain</h2>

Those who choose to ride to Wednesday’s show on Caltrain must transfer at the Mountain View station and take the VTA light rail to the Great America station, according to the transit agency.

Those who choose to ride to Wednesday’s show on Caltrain must transfer at the Mountain View station and take the VTA light rail to the Great America station, according to the transit agency.

Caltrain will also run one additional train to depart from the Mountain View station 75 minutes after the show ends.

Caltrain will also run one additional train to depart from the Mountain View station 75 minutes after the show ends.

“BART is not keeping any San Francisco stations open beyond normal closing hours due to the lack of parking lots at SF stations and because Caltrain is providing this special service,” BART said.

“BART is not keeping any San Francisco stations open beyond normal closing hours due to the lack of parking lots at SF stations and because Caltrain is providing this special service,” BART said.

For real-time Caltrain departure schedules, riders can visit the agency’s <a href="https://www.caltrain.com/station/mountainview" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">website</a>.

For real-time Caltrain departure schedules, riders can visit the agency’s <a href="https://www.caltrain.com/station/mountainview" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">website</a>.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Capitol Corridor</h2>

Capitol Corridor, which is operated by Amtrak, is offering a special service schedule on Wednesday night that departs at 11:59 p.m. from the Great America station with stops along the East Bay all the way to Sacramento.

Capitol Corridor, which is operated by Amtrak, is offering a special service schedule on Wednesday night that departs at 11:59 p.m. from the Great America station with stops along the East Bay all the way to Sacramento.

Schedules for the Capitol Corridor departures from the Great America station can be found on the rail service’s <a href="https://www.capitolcorridor.org/stations/santa-clara-great-america/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">website</a>.

Schedules for the Capitol Corridor departures from the Great America station can be found on the rail service’s <a href="https://www.capitolcorridor.org/stations/santa-clara-great-america/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">website</a>.

Going to Beyonce’s Renaissance World Tour? Here’s how to take public transit to Levi’s Stadium

Ida Mojadad

City officials have scaled back a plan to remove parking spots from one of San Francisco’s major commercial thoroughfares after an uproar among merchants, who fear the changes could put them out of business. The plan is intended to make space for transit-only lanes on Geary Boulevard.

City officials have scaled back a plan to remove parking spots from one of San Francisco’s major commercial thoroughfares after an uproar among merchants, who fear the changes could put them out of business. The plan is intended to make space for transit-only lanes on Geary Boulevard.

Instead of losing 70 parking places, as a previous plan for the Richmond District stretch of Geary called for, the street will lose just 31 spots under a revised plan by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. That comes out to a loss of about one space per block. Officials said they found 17 new spaces by relocating three bike-share stations and replacing parallel parking with angled parking on some streets off Geary.

Instead of losing 70 parking places, as a previous plan for the Richmond District stretch of Geary called for, the street will lose just 31 spots under a revised plan by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. That comes out to a loss of about one space per block. Officials said they found 17 new spaces by relocating three bike-share stations and replacing parallel parking with angled parking on some streets off Geary.

The plan calls for safety improvements like extending the curb into the street for easier bus boarding and increased visibility of pedestrians, turn restrictions, expanded bus zones and other changes to curb space for merchant loading. Transit-only lanes would be <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/project-updates/geary-boulevard-improvement-project-proposals-updated-summer-2023">added east of 33rd Avenue</a>, converting angled parking spaces to parallel ones between 28th and 15th avenues.&nbsp;

The plan calls for safety improvements like extending the curb into the street for easier bus boarding and increased visibility of pedestrians, turn restrictions, expanded bus zones and other changes to curb space for merchant loading. Transit-only lanes would be <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/project-updates/geary-boulevard-improvement-project-proposals-updated-summer-2023">added east of 33rd Avenue</a>, converting angled parking spaces to parallel ones between 28th and 15th avenues.&nbsp;

A view of street parking near Geary Boulevard and 18th Avenue in San Francisco, on Wednesday July 12, 2023. SFMTA adds back parking spots to Geary in response to merchant fury over transit improvement project plans.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/GearyParking071323-6.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-181410"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cars are parked on Geary Boulevard near 18th Avenue in San Francisco. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/GearyParking071323-6.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-181410"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cars are parked on Geary Boulevard near 18th Avenue in San Francisco. </figcaption></figure>

However, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/04/business-owners-furious-at-san-francisco-plan-to-rip-out-parking-spaces/">local merchants were enraged</a> when the plan appeared to be moving forward earlier this year. They said cutting parking could cause a significant drop in business among their customers who drive. Some said they were still recovering from the loss of business during the pandemic, and the project should be delayed until 2025, when construction on water and sewage pipe replacements is scheduled to begin.&nbsp;

Business owners furious at San Francisco plan to rip out parking spaces

However, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/04/business-owners-furious-at-san-francisco-plan-to-rip-out-parking-spaces/">local merchants were enraged</a> when the plan appeared to be moving forward earlier this year. They said cutting parking could cause a significant drop in business among their customers who drive. Some said they were still recovering from the loss of business during the pandemic, and the project should be delayed until 2025, when construction on water and sewage pipe replacements is scheduled to begin.&nbsp;

The SFMTA board is expected to vote on the proposal and <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/sites/default/files/reports-and-documents/2023/07/2023-07-12_gearycac_acc_0.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether to delay the removal of some parking spaces in August</a>.&nbsp;

The SFMTA board is expected to vote on the proposal and <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/sites/default/files/reports-and-documents/2023/07/2023-07-12_gearycac_acc_0.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether to delay the removal of some parking spaces in August</a>.&nbsp;

Following the protests from merchants, the transit agency in June changed the plan by freeing up 17 more spaces on neighboring streets.&nbsp;

Following the protests from merchants, the transit agency in June changed the plan by freeing up 17 more spaces on neighboring streets.&nbsp;

“This is in addition to replacement parking previously identified, for a total of 39 new parking spots to offset the 70 to be removed along a two-mile stretch of Geary,” said spokesperson Stephen Chun in an email.&nbsp;

“This is in addition to replacement parking previously identified, for a total of 39 new parking spots to offset the 70 to be removed along a two-mile stretch of Geary,” said spokesperson Stephen Chun in an email.&nbsp;

Some businesses, like tiki bar Trad’r Sam and Joe’s Ice Cream, can also seek city funding to rebuild the parklets outside their shops into a parallel format, a change the conversion would make necessary.

Some businesses, like tiki bar Trad’r Sam and Joe’s Ice Cream, can also seek city funding to rebuild the parklets outside their shops into a parallel format, a change the conversion would make necessary.

Angled street parking near the Joe’s Ice Cream parklet near Geary Boulevard and 18th Avenue in San Francisco, on Wednesday July 12, 2023. SFMTA adds back parking spots to Geary in response to merchant fury over transit improvement project plans.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/GearyParking071323-9.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-181413"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cars are parked near the Joe’s Ice Cream parklet near Geary Boulevard and 18th Avenue in San Francisco. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/GearyParking071323-9.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-181413"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cars are parked near the Joe’s Ice Cream parklet near Geary Boulevard and 18th Avenue in San Francisco. </figcaption></figure>

But it’s not clear if merchants will be happy with the latest changes. David Heller—owner of the Beauty Network, a shop on Geary, and head of the Greater Geary Boulevard Merchants and Property Owners Association—wants assurances that the city won’t make further adjustments to the number of parking spaces.

But it’s not clear if merchants will be happy with the latest changes. David Heller—owner of the Beauty Network, a shop on Geary, and head of the Greater Geary Boulevard Merchants and Property Owners Association—wants assurances that the city won’t make further adjustments to the number of parking spaces.

“There’s a small business community that’s really not doing well right now,” Heller said. “If anything, they should help us gain parking spots.&#8221;

“There’s a small business community that’s really not doing well right now,” Heller said. “If anything, they should help us gain parking spots."

“There’s a small business community that’s really not doing well right now,” Heller said. “If anything, they should help us gain parking spots.&#8221;

The project began as an effort to speed up transit like the center-running lanes like those finished on Van Ness Avenue in 2022. But after that effort suffered numerous delays and problems, the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/04/13/citing-van-ness-geary-boulevard-merchants-wary-of-citys-transit-plans/">SFMTA decided to dramatically speed up</a> the timeline of the Geary Boulevard project by installing side-running lanes instead. A <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/projects/geary-rapid-project">first phase of the project with similar upgrades</a> on Geary and O’Farrell between Stanyan and Market streets Downtown was completed in late 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Citing Van Ness, Geary Boulevard merchants wary of city’s transit plans

The project began as an effort to speed up transit like the center-running lanes like those finished on Van Ness Avenue in 2022. But after that effort suffered numerous delays and problems, the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/04/13/citing-van-ness-geary-boulevard-merchants-wary-of-citys-transit-plans/">SFMTA decided to dramatically speed up</a> the timeline of the Geary Boulevard project by installing side-running lanes instead. A <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/projects/geary-rapid-project">first phase of the project with similar upgrades</a> on Geary and O’Farrell between Stanyan and Market streets Downtown was completed in late 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But Heller argued that the SFMTA should delay parking removal until after the completion of pipe upgrades that are expected to start in 2025 and last three years. Supervisor Connie Chan, who has backed merchant concerns, agreed. But, in the meantime, she said she approves of the recent changes.

But Heller argued that the SFMTA should delay parking removal until after the completion of pipe upgrades that are expected to start in 2025 and last three years. Supervisor Connie Chan, who has backed merchant concerns, agreed. But, in the meantime, she said she approves of the recent changes.

“It’s a step in the right direction,” Chan told The Standard. “I don’t think the merchants are asking for a lot.”

“It’s a step in the right direction,” Chan told The Standard. “I don’t think the merchants are asking for a lot.”

Lian Chang, a Richmond District resident who is involved with the pedestrian safety nonprofit Walk SF, just wants the project to move forward.&nbsp;

Lian Chang, a Richmond District resident who is involved with the pedestrian safety nonprofit Walk SF, just wants the project to move forward.&nbsp;

“An indefinite delay of the project is basically killing the project,” Chang said.

“An indefinite delay of the project is basically killing the project,” Chang said.

The SFMTA was scheduled to present the changes at a <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/calendar/geary-community-advisory-committee-meeting-july-12-2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geary Community Advisory Committee meeting</a> held online on Wednesday at 6 p.m.

The SFMTA was scheduled to present the changes at a <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/calendar/geary-community-advisory-committee-meeting-july-12-2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geary Community Advisory Committee meeting</a> held online on Wednesday at 6 p.m.

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