Noah Baustin

BART has set new pandemic-era weekday ridership records for two months straight—and San Francisco’s Downtown stations are anchoring that increase, data obtained by The Standard shows. The revelation indicates more people are returning to the city center, where recovery has been slow to gain steam.&nbsp;

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BART has set new pandemic-era weekday ridership records for two months straight—and San Francisco’s Downtown stations are anchoring that increase, data obtained by The Standard shows. The revelation indicates more people are returning to the city center, where recovery has been slow to gain steam.&nbsp;

San Francisco’s four Downtown BART stations—Embarcadero, Montgomery Street, Powell Street and Civic Center—have shown the most dramatic recovery in the BART system since the early months of the pandemic. About 930,000 more people were logged exiting those four stations in September 2023 than in September 2020, according to BART data, marking a 290% percent increase. That means that the station exit increase at those four downtown stations accounts for about a third of the regional system’s entire ridership recovery across 50 stations.

San Francisco’s four Downtown BART stations—Embarcadero, Montgomery Street, Powell Street and Civic Center—have shown the most dramatic recovery in the BART system since the early months of the pandemic. About 930,000 more people were logged exiting those four stations in September 2023 than in September 2020, according to BART data, marking a 290% percent increase. That means that the station exit increase at those four downtown stations accounts for about a third of the regional system’s entire ridership recovery across 50 stations.

The increasing number of people disembarking in Downtown San Francisco comes at the same time as many of the city’s tech companies are <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/26/downtown-san-francisco-recovery-return-to-office/">tossing their work-from-home policies</a> in favor of hybrid models that bring workers in-person several days a week. Others have opted to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/11/linkedin-sublease-office-downtown-san-francisco/">drop Downtown leases altogether</a>. At the same time, city leaders have aimed to revitalize Downtown by supporting <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/16qvq5WMQQtRwRi0xxyblktVfegZ5-opdkr0o99Q8XHA/edit">pop-up shops</a> and floating more ambitious concepts, like a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/22/san-francisco-mayor-optimistic-says-downtown-is-primed-for-comeback/">soccer stadium replacing the San Francisco Centre mall</a>.

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The increasing number of people disembarking in Downtown San Francisco comes at the same time as many of the city’s tech companies are <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/26/downtown-san-francisco-recovery-return-to-office/">tossing their work-from-home policies</a> in favor of hybrid models that bring workers in-person several days a week. Others have opted to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/11/linkedin-sublease-office-downtown-san-francisco/">drop Downtown leases altogether</a>. At the same time, city leaders have aimed to revitalize Downtown by supporting <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/16qvq5WMQQtRwRi0xxyblktVfegZ5-opdkr0o99Q8XHA/edit">pop-up shops</a> and floating more ambitious concepts, like a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/22/san-francisco-mayor-optimistic-says-downtown-is-primed-for-comeback/">soccer stadium replacing the San Francisco Centre mall</a>.

Focusing on the past year, San Francisco’s Montgomery Street registered the largest year-over-year increase in people exiting the train at that station between September 2022 and September 2023. About 327,000 people disembarked at Montgomery Street in September 2023, a roughly 14,000 increase over September 2022. Embarcadero station had a nearly 9,000 person increase during that time period, ranking it at No. 3.

Focusing on the past year, San Francisco’s Montgomery Street registered the largest year-over-year increase in people exiting the train at that station between September 2022 and September 2023. About 327,000 people disembarked at Montgomery Street in September 2023, a roughly 14,000 increase over September 2022. Embarcadero station had a nearly 9,000 person increase during that time period, ranking it at No. 3.

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Overall, an average of over 172,000 paid riders exited BART stations each weekday in September 2023, capping two months of climbing ridership, according to BART data. That’s the largest total the agency has reported since April 2020, when the bottom fell out on transit ridership in the Bay Area and across the nation.&nbsp;

Overall, an average of over 172,000 paid riders exited BART stations each weekday in September 2023, capping two months of climbing ridership, according to BART data. That’s the largest total the agency has reported since April 2020, when the bottom fell out on transit ridership in the Bay Area and across the nation.&nbsp;

Last year, the highest average weekday total peaked at about 162,000, also in September, the data shows.

Last year, the highest average weekday total peaked at about 162,000, also in September, the data shows.

Meanwhile, the ridership surge has coincided with a Sept. 11 BART policy shakeup that scaled back the number of weekday departures and reduced the number of cars per train. The significant change boosted evening and weekend service and will make it easier for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/01/bart-names-new-police-chief/">officials to patrol</a> and clean the trains. But in return, weekday riders have been jostled back into crowded <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/08/barts-shorter-trains-enrage-riders-ahead-of-dreamforce-conference/">shoulder-to-shoulder commutes</a>.

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Meanwhile, the ridership surge has coincided with a Sept. 11 BART policy shakeup that scaled back the number of weekday departures and reduced the number of cars per train. The significant change boosted evening and weekend service and will make it easier for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/01/bart-names-new-police-chief/">officials to patrol</a> and clean the trains. But in return, weekday riders have been jostled back into crowded <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/08/barts-shorter-trains-enrage-riders-ahead-of-dreamforce-conference/">shoulder-to-shoulder commutes</a>.

Passengers ride a packed SFO bound train in Oakland on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. A day prior, SFMTA started running shorter BART trains to address issues with low ridership and safety.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1875" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_3244.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-205208"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Passengers ride a packed SFO bound train in Oakland on Sept. 12, 2023, one day after BART began running shorter trains.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_3244.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-205208"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Passengers ride a packed SFO bound train in Oakland on Sept. 12, 2023, one day after BART began running shorter trains.</figcaption></figure>

BART spokesperson Alicia Trost credited the September 2023 ridership high with the policy change, pointing to the increased service on the busiest line, the Yellow route, and more options for weekend and night riders. The Dreamforce Conference alongside several baseball games and popular concerts likely also helped, as well as a typical seasonal bump that comes in September, according to Trost.

BART spokesperson Alicia Trost credited the September 2023 ridership high with the policy change, pointing to the increased service on the busiest line, the Yellow route, and more options for weekend and night riders. The Dreamforce Conference alongside several baseball games and popular concerts likely also helped, as well as a typical seasonal bump that comes in September, according to Trost.

“The steady climb is very encouraging,” Trost said.

“The steady climb is very encouraging,” Trost said.

Despite hitting this high point, BART ridership still pales in comparison to pre-pandemic figures. About 4.2 million people rode BART in September 2023. That’s less than half of the 9.9 million riders in September 2019.

Despite hitting this high point, BART ridership still pales in comparison to pre-pandemic figures. About 4.2 million people rode BART in September 2023. That’s less than half of the 9.9 million riders in September 2019.

“We don&#8217;t have an estimate when ridership may reach pre-pandemic levels as remote work has had a tremendous and lasting impact,” Trost said.

“We don't have an estimate when ridership may reach pre-pandemic levels as remote work has had a tremendous and lasting impact,” Trost said.

“We don&#8217;t have an estimate when ridership may reach pre-pandemic levels as remote work has had a tremendous and lasting impact,” Trost said.

The station exit data shows that San Francisco isn’t the only downtown on the rebound. The 19th St. Oakland and 12th St. Oakland stops logged the second and fourth largest increase in the number of exits in the BART system.&nbsp;

The station exit data shows that San Francisco isn’t the only downtown on the rebound. The 19th St. Oakland and 12th St. Oakland stops logged the second and fourth largest increase in the number of exits in the BART system.&nbsp;

There’s also signs that more people are beginning to travel to the less-frequented BART stops in the South Bay. Milpitas, North San Jose, Fremont and Union City had the largest percentage increase in station exits between September 2022 and 2023, all logging double-digit increases.

There’s also signs that more people are beginning to travel to the less-frequented BART stops in the South Bay. Milpitas, North San Jose, Fremont and Union City had the largest percentage increase in station exits between September 2022 and 2023, all logging double-digit increases.

Meanwhile, after several years of skyrocketing ridership to the San Francisco International Airport and Oakland International Airport stops, both transit hubs saw a decrease in station exits between September 2022 and 2023. That may be due, in part, to the fact that the airport stops had already bounced back far closer to their pre-pandemic traffic than many other BART stations.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, after several years of skyrocketing ridership to the San Francisco International Airport and Oakland International Airport stops, both transit hubs saw a decrease in station exits between September 2022 and 2023. That may be due, in part, to the fact that the airport stops had already bounced back far closer to their pre-pandemic traffic than many other BART stations.&nbsp;

SFO’s roughly 103,500 exits in September 2023 reached two-thirds of the September 2019 figure for the station. The BART system as a whole, meanwhile, hit just 42% of its pre-pandemic ridership during that period.

SFO’s roughly 103,500 exits in September 2023 reached two-thirds of the September 2019 figure for the station. The BART system as a whole, meanwhile, hit just 42% of its pre-pandemic ridership during that period.

BART bucks downtown decline with ridership spikes at central San Francisco stations

Garrett Leahy

Max Harrison-Caldwell

The board of the city&#8217;s transit agency voted Tuesday to slash bus service for several lines and to hike parking meter fees.

The board of the city's transit agency voted Tuesday to slash bus service for several lines and to hike parking meter fees.

The board of the city&#8217;s transit agency voted Tuesday to slash bus service for several lines and to hike parking meter fees.

The changes to Muni service and parking costs are part of austerity measures by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency to offset a $50 million budget deficit for fiscal 2025-26, which starts in July. The agency is projecting a $320 million budget deficit for fiscal 2026-27.&nbsp;

The changes to Muni service and parking costs are part of austerity measures by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency to offset a $50 million budget deficit for fiscal 2025-26, which starts in July. The agency is projecting a $320 million budget deficit for fiscal 2026-27.&nbsp;

The bus service cuts should account for $7.5 million of the $50 million gap, the agency says. Other savings will come from increased bus fares that went into effect in January and cuts to other programs.

The bus service cuts should account for $7.5 million of the $50 million gap, the agency says. Other savings will come from increased bus fares that went into effect in January and cuts to other programs.

The Muni service cuts, which the board approved 5-2, take effect June 21 and affect <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/projects/summer-2025-muni-service-cuts">the 5, 6, 9, 21, and 31 lines</a>. Here&#8217;s how those routes will change:

The Muni service cuts, which the board approved 5-2, take effect June 21 and affect <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/projects/summer-2025-muni-service-cuts">the 5, 6, 9, 21, and 31 lines</a>. Here's how those routes will change:

The Muni service cuts, which the board approved 5-2, take effect June 21 and affect <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/projects/summer-2025-muni-service-cuts">the 5, 6, 9, 21, and 31 lines</a>. Here&#8217;s how those routes will change:

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>5 Fulton will turn around at McAllister Street and Market Street/Civic Center Station on weekdays; 5R Fulton Rapid will not change.</li>



<li>6 Haight-Parnassus and 21 Hayes will be combined into one line and turn around at Hyde Street and Market/Civic Center Station.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>



<li>9 San Bruno will turn around at 11th Street and Market/Van Ness Station on weekdays; 9R San Bruno Rapid will not change.</li>



<li>31 Balboa will turn around at 5th Street and Market/Powell Station.</li>
</ul>

5 Fulton will turn around at McAllister Street and Market Street/Civic Center Station on weekdays; 5R Fulton Rapid will not change.

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<li>5 Fulton will turn around at McAllister Street and Market Street/Civic Center Station on weekdays; 5R Fulton Rapid will not change.</li>

6 Haight-Parnassus and 21 Hayes will be combined into one line and turn around at Hyde Street and Market/Civic Center Station.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<li>6 Haight-Parnassus and 21 Hayes will be combined into one line and turn around at Hyde Street and Market/Civic Center Station.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>

9 San Bruno will turn around at 11th Street and Market/Van Ness Station on weekdays; 9R San Bruno Rapid will not change.

<li>9 San Bruno will turn around at 11th Street and Market/Van Ness Station on weekdays; 9R San Bruno Rapid will not change.</li>

31 Balboa will turn around at 5th Street and Market/Powell Station.

<li>31 Balboa will turn around at 5th Street and Market/Powell Station.</li>

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<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>5 Fulton will turn around at McAllister Street and Market Street/Civic Center Station on weekdays; 5R Fulton Rapid will not change.</li><li>6 Haight-Parnassus and 21 Hayes will be combined into one line and turn around at Hyde Street and Market/Civic Center Station.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>9 San Bruno will turn around at 11th Street and Market/Van Ness Station on weekdays; 9R San Bruno Rapid will not change.</li><li>31 Balboa will turn around at 5th Street and Market/Powell Station.</li></ul>

Parking meter fees will increase starting May 15:

Parking meter fees will increase starting May 15:

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Drivers will pay at least 25 cents more per hour at all meters.</li>



<li>The cheapest meters will double in price, going from 50 cents to $1 per hour.</li>



<li>The agency will add a 10-cent convenience charge to parking payments made with a mobile device.</li>



<li>Time limits at some two-hour meters will increase to four hours.</li>



<li>The SFMTA will hire more parking cops to patrol on weekends, intensifying the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/17/san-francisco-intensive-parking-enforcement/">crackdown</a> on parking violations that started last spring.</li>
</ul>

Drivers will pay at least 25 cents more per hour at all meters.

<li>Drivers will pay at least 25 cents more per hour at all meters.</li>

The cheapest meters will double in price, going from 50 cents to $1 per hour.

<li>The cheapest meters will double in price, going from 50 cents to $1 per hour.</li>

The agency will add a 10-cent convenience charge to parking payments made with a mobile device.

<li>The agency will add a 10-cent convenience charge to parking payments made with a mobile device.</li>

Time limits at some two-hour meters will increase to four hours.

<li>Time limits at some two-hour meters will increase to four hours.</li>

The SFMTA will hire more parking cops to patrol on weekends, intensifying the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/17/san-francisco-intensive-parking-enforcement/">crackdown</a> on parking violations that started last spring.

<li>The SFMTA will hire more parking cops to patrol on weekends, intensifying the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/17/san-francisco-intensive-parking-enforcement/">crackdown</a> on parking violations that started last spring.</li>

<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Drivers will pay at least 25 cents more per hour at all meters.</li><li>The cheapest meters will double in price, going from 50 cents to $1 per hour.</li><li>The agency will add a 10-cent convenience charge to parking payments made with a mobile device.</li><li>Time limits at some two-hour meters will increase to four hours.</li><li>The SFMTA will hire more parking cops to patrol on weekends, intensifying the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/17/san-francisco-intensive-parking-enforcement/">crackdown</a> on parking violations that started last spring.</li></ul>

Parking meters near Union Street in San Francisco on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024.  SFMTA is discussing a plan to eliminate free two hour parking in favor of a pay and permit system.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/20241202-sfmtaparking_aar_1.jpg?w=2500" alt="Cars are parked along a street with several parking meters visible. Trees and more cars are in the background, creating a typical urban scene." class="wp-image-388762"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The minimum hourly rate for parking meters will increase from 50 cents to $1.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/20241202-sfmtaparking_aar_1.jpg?w=2500" alt="Cars are parked along a street with several parking meters visible. Trees and more cars are in the background, creating a typical urban scene." class="wp-image-388762"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The minimum hourly rate for parking meters will increase from 50 cents to $1.</figcaption></figure>

San Francisco meters use demand-responsive pricing, meaning those with higher usage cost more. Because of this, the SFMTA did not have a full list of which meters will increase by 25 cents and which will increase by 50 cents. Those that will increase from 50 cents to $1 are the city&#8217;s least-used meters, including some on sleepy corridors in the Outer Sunset.

San Francisco meters use demand-responsive pricing, meaning those with higher usage cost more. Because of this, the SFMTA did not have a full list of which meters will increase by 25 cents and which will increase by 50 cents. Those that will increase from 50 cents to $1 are the city's least-used meters, including some on sleepy corridors in the Outer Sunset.

San Francisco meters use demand-responsive pricing, meaning those with higher usage cost more. Because of this, the SFMTA did not have a full list of which meters will increase by 25 cents and which will increase by 50 cents. Those that will increase from 50 cents to $1 are the city&#8217;s least-used meters, including some on sleepy corridors in the Outer Sunset.

The agency predicts that the meter increases, which are billed partly as an adjustment for inflation, will yield more than $4 million annually. The citywide parking rate increase is the first in a decade; the minimum rate increase is the first in seven years.

The agency predicts that the meter increases, which are billed partly as an adjustment for inflation, will yield more than $4 million annually. The citywide parking rate increase is the first in a decade; the minimum rate increase is the first in seven years.

Lurie gives Waymo the keys to Market Street. People are furious

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During public comment ahead of the vote, Christopher White, executive director of the SF Bicycle Coalition, lambasted the city for the service cuts, saying they go against a policy of prioritizing public transit. White pointed out that the cuts come as the city opens Market Street to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/04/15/san-francisco-mayor-daniel-lurie-waymo-uber-lyft-market-street/">Waymos</a> as part of Mayor Daniel Lurie&#8217;s downtown revitalization efforts.

During public comment ahead of the vote, Christopher White, executive director of the SF Bicycle Coalition, lambasted the city for the service cuts, saying they go against a policy of prioritizing public transit. White pointed out that the cuts come as the city opens Market Street to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/04/15/san-francisco-mayor-daniel-lurie-waymo-uber-lyft-market-street/">Waymos</a> as part of Mayor Daniel Lurie's downtown revitalization efforts.

During public comment ahead of the vote, Christopher White, executive director of the SF Bicycle Coalition, lambasted the city for the service cuts, saying they go against a policy of prioritizing public transit. White pointed out that the cuts come as the city opens Market Street to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/04/15/san-francisco-mayor-daniel-lurie-waymo-uber-lyft-market-street/">Waymos</a> as part of Mayor Daniel Lurie&#8217;s downtown revitalization efforts.

“San Francisco’s decision-makers are willing to let &#8216;transit first&#8217; wither and let privatization reign,” he said.

“San Francisco’s decision-makers are willing to let 'transit first' wither and let privatization reign,” he said.

“San Francisco’s decision-makers are willing to let &#8216;transit first&#8217; wither and let privatization reign,” he said.

The SFMTA board of directors approved Muni service cuts that will make a handful of bus lines terminate at Market Street instead of traveling down it.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/screenshot-2025-04-15-at-15-55-51.png?w=1956" alt="A transit map shows routes 5, 6/21, 9, and 31 in purple, terminating at key Market Street locations, with alternative services listed in a legend." class="wp-image-388727"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The affected bus lines will turn around at Market Street.</figcaption></figure>

Public comment before Tuesday’s vote was otherwise paltry, but dozens spoke against the bus service cuts at the board&#8217;s April 1 meeting. Many urged the SFMTA to instead dip into reserve funds.

Public comment before Tuesday’s vote was otherwise paltry, but dozens spoke against the bus service cuts at the board's April 1 meeting. Many urged the SFMTA to instead dip into reserve funds.

Public comment before Tuesday’s vote was otherwise paltry, but dozens spoke against the bus service cuts at the board&#8217;s April 1 meeting. Many urged the SFMTA to instead dip into reserve funds.

Terry Adams, who recently moved from Austin to San Francisco, said the city should easily be able to scrape together enough money to fill the hole. He&#8217;s afraid the cuts will hurt ridership.

Terry Adams, who recently moved from Austin to San Francisco, said the city should easily be able to scrape together enough money to fill the hole. He's afraid the cuts will hurt ridership.

Terry Adams, who recently moved from Austin to San Francisco, said the city should easily be able to scrape together enough money to fill the hole. He&#8217;s afraid the cuts will hurt ridership.

&#8220;Seven million dollars is like the salary of a tech vice president,&#8221; Adams said. &#8220;It&#8217;s not a lot of money. It can be found.&#8221;

"Seven million dollars is like the salary of a tech vice president," Adams said. "It's not a lot of money. It can be found."

&#8220;Seven million dollars is like the salary of a tech vice president,&#8221; Adams said. &#8220;It&#8217;s not a lot of money. It can be found.&#8221;

Chris Arvin, vice chair of the SFMTA Citizens&#8217; Advisory Council, said the cuts could erode the public&#8217;s trust in the agency, pointing out that it raised bus fares by 25 cents in January and is now butchering the 6 line after making a fuss about its post-Covid restoration.

Chris Arvin, vice chair of the SFMTA Citizens' Advisory Council, said the cuts could erode the public's trust in the agency, pointing out that it raised bus fares by 25 cents in January and is now butchering the 6 line after making a fuss about its post-Covid restoration.

Chris Arvin, vice chair of the SFMTA Citizens&#8217; Advisory Council, said the cuts could erode the public&#8217;s trust in the agency, pointing out that it raised bus fares by 25 cents in January and is now butchering the 6 line after making a fuss about its post-Covid restoration.

&#8220;What does it say to riders when you raise our fares but you won&#8217;t use your own reserves?&#8221; Arvin said. The SFMTA board&#8217;s reserves total $140 million, money Arvin said the agency could have used instead of cutting service.

"What does it say to riders when you raise our fares but you won't use your own reserves?" Arvin said. The SFMTA board's reserves total $140 million, money Arvin said the agency could have used instead of cutting service.

&#8220;What does it say to riders when you raise our fares but you won&#8217;t use your own reserves?&#8221; Arvin said. The SFMTA board&#8217;s reserves total $140 million, money Arvin said the agency could have used instead of cutting service.

Transit advocate Scott Feeney noted that diminished trust could make it harder to convince voters to pass future taxes and bonds. Next year, voters will decide on a <a href="https://media.api.sf.gov/documents/06._GOBOC_FY24-33_Capital_Plan_Overview.pdf">$300 million bond</a> to fund local transit under the city’s bond schedule. Another bill, spearheaded by state Sen. Scott Weiner, would ask voters in San Francisco, Alameda, and Contra Costa counties to approve a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/24/bart-muni-sales-tax/">new sales tax</a> to fund BART and Muni.

Transit advocate Scott Feeney noted that diminished trust could make it harder to convince voters to pass future taxes and bonds. Next year, voters will decide on a <a href="https://media.api.sf.gov/documents/06._GOBOC_FY24-33_Capital_Plan_Overview.pdf">$300 million bond</a> to fund local transit under the city’s bond schedule. Another bill, spearheaded by state Sen. Scott Weiner, would ask voters in San Francisco, Alameda, and Contra Costa counties to approve a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/24/bart-muni-sales-tax/">new sales tax</a> to fund BART and Muni.

&#8220;When service is cut, people don&#8217;t want to fund Muni, and you&#8217;re going to be going to voters next year,&#8221; Feeney said. &#8220;Do the right thing, and don&#8217;t make the cuts.&#8221;

"When service is cut, people don't want to fund Muni, and you're going to be going to voters next year," Feeney said. "Do the right thing, and don't make the cuts."

&#8220;When service is cut, people don&#8217;t want to fund Muni, and you&#8217;re going to be going to voters next year,&#8221; Feeney said. &#8220;Do the right thing, and don&#8217;t make the cuts.&#8221;

During the discussion before Tuesday’s vote, board member Stephanie Cajina, in particular, criticized the cuts to the 9 bus line, pointing to SFMTA staff’s report showing that of the lines facing cuts, that route has the highest percentages of low-income riders, people of color, and disabled people.

During the discussion before Tuesday’s vote, board member Stephanie Cajina, in particular, criticized the cuts to the 9 bus line, pointing to SFMTA staff’s report showing that of the lines facing cuts, that route has the highest percentages of low-income riders, people of color, and disabled people.

SFMTA board member Stephanie Cajina took issue with service cuts to the 9 bus, which has the largest share of vulnerable riders among the lines facing cuts.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/screenshot-2025-04-15-at-15-22-29.png?w=1578" alt="The table lists transit routes, average boardings, and percentages of people of color, low-income households, seniors, and people with disabilities." class="wp-image-388731"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The 9 bus has the largest share of vulnerable riders among the lines facing cuts.</figcaption></figure>

While she did not make comments alongside Cajina on Tuesday, SFMTA board chair Janet Tarlov said during the April 1 meeting that offsetting cuts now would result in more draconian cuts in summer 2026, when the agency will have to confront a $320 million budget shortfall.

While she did not make comments alongside Cajina on Tuesday, SFMTA board chair Janet Tarlov said during the April 1 meeting that offsetting cuts now would result in more draconian cuts in summer 2026, when the agency will have to confront a $320 million budget shortfall.

&#8220;It&#8217;s a difficult situation to maintain voter trust,&#8221; Tarlov said.

"It's a difficult situation to maintain voter trust," Tarlov said.

&#8220;It&#8217;s a difficult situation to maintain voter trust,&#8221; Tarlov said.

Muni lines cut, parking meters raised: Inside the MTA’s bad-news budget

Kevin Truong

If you want to play a fun game, ask people in the know to describe the fiscal state of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency.&nbsp;

If you want to play a fun game, ask people in the know to describe the fiscal state of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency.&nbsp;

You’ll get a sharp inhale. An “incredibly dire.” An “extremely concerning.” Maybe even a “clusterfuck” or two.

You’ll get a sharp inhale. An “incredibly dire.” An “extremely concerning.” Maybe even a “clusterfuck” or two.

The agency’s revenue was in decline before the pandemic, and Covid pressed the accelerator. Add the expiration of state and federal funding meant as a backstop, and you’re hit with some pretty big, pretty bad numbers that could spell the end of the system as we know it.

The agency’s revenue was in decline before the pandemic, and Covid pressed the accelerator. Add the expiration of state and federal funding meant as a backstop, and you’re hit with some pretty big, pretty bad numbers that could spell the end of the system as we know it.

During the next fiscal year, the agency’s deficit is tagged at $15 million, but that could balloon to $322 million the year after.&nbsp;

During the next fiscal year, the agency’s deficit is tagged at $15 million, but that could balloon to $322 million the year after.&nbsp;

The L-Taraval arrives at Embarcadero Station in San Francisco, on September 30, 2024.The L-Taraval line has recently reopened following a five-year renovation.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20241119-muniwtf-25.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person boards a modern train at a station. The train's destination sign reads &quot;SF ZOO.&quot; The platform has a yellow safety edge and overhead lights." class="wp-image-334808"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Even as ridership on Muni buses and trains has steadily recovered, the agency faces a massive budget shortfall that only looks to grow.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20241119-muniwtf-25.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person boards a modern train at a station. The train's destination sign reads &quot;SF ZOO.&quot; The platform has a yellow safety edge and overhead lights." class="wp-image-334808"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Even as ridership on Muni buses and trains has steadily recovered, the agency faces a massive budget shortfall that only looks to grow.</figcaption></figure>

The scale of that gap might surprise Muni riders who recently gave the system its <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/blog/2024-muni-rider-survey-shows-big-improvements">highest satisfaction score</a> in 20 years. Moreover, ridership has recovered to 78% of 2019 levels, in the top tier of transit systems nationally. Another sign of Muni’s popularity? Some items in its merch store that <a href="https://themunistore.com/">launched this month</a> have already sold out.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The scale of that gap might surprise Muni riders who recently gave the system its <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/blog/2024-muni-rider-survey-shows-big-improvements">highest satisfaction score</a> in 20 years. Moreover, ridership has recovered to 78% of 2019 levels, in the top tier of transit systems nationally. Another sign of Muni’s popularity? Some items in its merch store that <a href="https://themunistore.com/">launched this month</a> have already sold out.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But Muni is only part of the story, and fares make up only 8% of the MTA’s budget. Revenue from parking (particularly at formerly packed downtown lots) has dropped 31% from before the pandemic, dragging down the agency’s fiscal outlook while costs continue to increase.&nbsp;

But Muni is only part of the story, and fares make up only 8% of the MTA’s budget. Revenue from parking (particularly at formerly packed downtown lots) has dropped 31% from before the pandemic, dragging down the agency’s fiscal outlook while costs continue to increase.&nbsp;

Conversations with lawmakers, SFMTA staff and board members, and transit policy wonks reveal a big shrug on what’s next. Meanwhile, a new mayor prepares to take office amid furious efforts to throw a life-raft tax on the ballot in 2026 to keep Muni, BART, and Caltrain afloat.

Conversations with lawmakers, SFMTA staff and board members, and transit policy wonks reveal a big shrug on what’s next. Meanwhile, a new mayor prepares to take office amid furious efforts to throw a life-raft tax on the ballot in 2026 to keep Muni, BART, and Caltrain afloat.

“I don&#8217;t have any answers right now; I have a lot of questions,” said Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, who serves as chair of the San Francisco County Transportation Authority. “The odd piece about these Muni funding conversations we&#8217;re having is that in some ways, the most important actor is not in the room yet.”

“I don't have any answers right now; I have a lot of questions,” said Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, who serves as chair of the San Francisco County Transportation Authority. “The odd piece about these Muni funding conversations we're having is that in some ways, the most important actor is not in the room yet.”

“I don&#8217;t have any answers right now; I have a lot of questions,” said Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, who serves as chair of the San Francisco County Transportation Authority. “The odd piece about these Muni funding conversations we&#8217;re having is that in some ways, the most important actor is not in the room yet.”

If one thing is clear, it’s that prospects for another rescue package from Sacramento are dim. And President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House will presumably kill the possibility of a federal bailout. That means instead of waiting for a white knight, the region needs to help itself.&nbsp;

If one thing is clear, it’s that prospects for another rescue package from Sacramento are dim. And President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House will presumably kill the possibility of a federal bailout. That means instead of waiting for a white knight, the region needs to help itself.&nbsp;

Jeffrey Tumlin the San Francisco Director of  Transportation speaks during the official opening of the new Bus Rapid Transit corridor on Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco on Friday, April 1, 2022.  

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/FEATURE_TransitFiscalCLiff-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man speaks at a podium with a blue logo, gesturing upward. A crowd of diverse people, some with masks, listens. Vehicles and a city street are in the background." class="wp-image-106575"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">SFMTA Director Jeffrey Tumlin led the organization through the pandemic. His contract expires at the end of the year.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/FEATURE_TransitFiscalCLiff-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man speaks at a podium with a blue logo, gesturing upward. A crowd of diverse people, some with masks, listens. Vehicles and a city street are in the background." class="wp-image-106575"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">SFMTA Director Jeffrey Tumlin led the organization through the pandemic. His contract expires at the end of the year.</figcaption></figure>

“There’s a sense that the ball is back in our court,” said Sebastian Petty, a senior transportation policy advisor for urban planning nonprofit SPUR. “Maybe the state can step in and get us to a presidential year, but we all need to be part of the solution.”

“There’s a sense that the ball is back in our court,” said Sebastian Petty, a senior transportation policy advisor for urban planning nonprofit SPUR. “Maybe the state can step in and get us to a presidential year, but we all need to be part of the solution.”

One attempt on the ballot this month was Proposition L, which would have taxed rideshare companies to pay for Muni. But a poison-pill provision in business tax reform measure Proposition M negated the effort.&nbsp;

One attempt on the ballot this month was Proposition L, which would have taxed rideshare companies to pay for Muni. But a poison-pill provision in business tax reform measure Proposition M negated the effort.&nbsp;

Although Prop. M backers insist they weren’t trying to spoil Prop. L, critics are dubious. Kat Siegal, a member of the county Transportation Authority’s community advisory committee who co-authored Prop. L, said when her campaign reached out to the other side for discussions, the response was essentially “Lose my number.”

Although Prop. M backers insist they weren’t trying to spoil Prop. L, critics are dubious. Kat Siegal, a member of the county Transportation Authority’s community advisory committee who co-authored Prop. L, said when her campaign reached out to the other side for discussions, the response was essentially “Lose my number.”

Prop. L advocates say their idea to tax rideshare companies would have raised around $25 million for public transit, enough to head off next year’s Muni deficit. But little use crying over spilled taxes.&nbsp;

Prop. L advocates say their idea to tax rideshare companies would have raised around $25 million for public transit, enough to head off next year’s Muni deficit. But little use crying over spilled taxes.&nbsp;

Now, all eyes are on an effort by the regional Metropolitan Transportation Commission to put some sort of transit-saving tax before voters in 2026. At its next meeting, set for Dec. 9, the MTC intends to hammer out a framework for a ballot measure.

Now, all eyes are on an effort by the regional Metropolitan Transportation Commission to put some sort of transit-saving tax before voters in 2026. At its next meeting, set for Dec. 9, the MTC intends to hammer out a framework for a ballot measure.

This is no simple matter. First, a majority of the commission must agree on a concept for the measure. Then state lawmakers need to introduce legislation to allow a regional ballot measure. Then comes the campaign, which would probably include a signature-gathering effort to get a measure on the ballot with a 50% threshold for passage.

This is no simple matter. First, a majority of the commission must agree on a concept for the measure. Then state lawmakers need to introduce legislation to allow a regional ballot measure. Then comes the campaign, which would probably include a signature-gathering effort to get a measure on the ballot with a 50% threshold for passage.

The central question, particularly from counties like Marin and Santa Clara, is: Why should we pay for a transit system that benefits mostly other parts of the region?

The central question, particularly from counties like Marin and Santa Clara, is: Why should we pay for a transit system that benefits mostly other parts of the region?

A cable car travels past the historical 119-year Westin St. Francis in San Francisco on Tuesday, August 29, 2023. With APEC approaching, tourists are looking for local hotels and other ways to secure short-term room and board.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/APECHotelInsights-5845.jpg?w=2500" alt="A historic Muni cable car rides by a building" class="wp-image-210039"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Muni officials have raised the prospect of cutting cable car lines as a cost-saving measure, but few believe that&#8217;s a real possibility.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/APECHotelInsights-5845.jpg?w=2500" alt="A historic Muni cable car rides by a building" class="wp-image-210039"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Muni officials have raised the prospect of cutting cable car lines as a cost-saving measure, but few believe that's a real possibility.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/APECHotelInsights-5845.jpg?w=2500" alt="A historic Muni cable car rides by a building" class="wp-image-210039"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Muni officials have raised the prospect of cutting cable car lines as a cost-saving measure, but few believe that&#8217;s a real possibility.</figcaption></figure>

State Sens. Scott Wiener and Aisha Wahab <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/18/bay-area-transit-ballot-measure-wiener-wahab-sb1031/">co-authored a bill last year</a> to allow for a ballot measure that would’ve raised taxes to fund transit agencies in nine Bay Area counties, but internal squabbling sank it. Little has changed since then. But the fiscal cliff is getting close enough to peer off the edge.

Warning of &#8216;death spiral,&#8217; lawmakers seek $2B tax hike for transit

State Sens. Scott Wiener and Aisha Wahab <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/18/bay-area-transit-ballot-measure-wiener-wahab-sb1031/">co-authored a bill last year</a> to allow for a ballot measure that would’ve raised taxes to fund transit agencies in nine Bay Area counties, but internal squabbling sank it. Little has changed since then. But the fiscal cliff is getting close enough to peer off the edge.

“Considering the parties, I would imagine we see the lowest-common-denominator solution,” said Tom Radulovich, senior policy fellow at urban planning nonprofit Liveable City. “At some point, nobody wants to watch the puppy drown.”

“Considering the parties, I would imagine we see the lowest-common-denominator solution,” said Tom Radulovich, senior policy fellow at urban planning nonprofit Liveable City. “At some point, nobody wants to watch the puppy drown.”

The greatest amount of political support, according to sources at the MTC meetings, is for a middle-ground taxation path that would raise around $560 million annually, mainly from San Francisco, Alameda, San Mateo, and Contra Costa counties.

The greatest amount of political support, according to sources at the MTC meetings, is for a middle-ground taxation path that would raise around $560 million annually, mainly from San Francisco, Alameda, San Mateo, and Contra Costa counties.

But there’s not a clear consensus on some basic policy points, such as how long the tax would be in effect; whether it would be a sales tax, parcel tax, or some combination; and how much each county would be expected to cough up. Potential scenarios can be <a href="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/better-mta-presentation.pdf">viewed here</a>.

But there’s not a clear consensus on some basic policy points, such as how long the tax would be in effect; whether it would be a sales tax, parcel tax, or some combination; and how much each county would be expected to cough up. Potential scenarios can be <a href="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/better-mta-presentation.pdf">viewed here</a>.

Complexity adds legal risk, which could mean money being held up by the courts, as well as a more pedestrian challenge: There’s concern that summaries of all the carveouts wouldn&#8217;t fit on the ballot page.

Complexity adds legal risk, which could mean money being held up by the courts, as well as a more pedestrian challenge: There’s concern that summaries of all the carveouts wouldn't fit on the ballot page.

Complexity adds legal risk, which could mean money being held up by the courts, as well as a more pedestrian challenge: There’s concern that summaries of all the carveouts wouldn&#8217;t fit on the ballot page.

Vision Zero is a bust, and traffic crash victims are fed up

I rode Muni’s new, free on-demand shuttle — and it was magical

This guy racked up $33,159 in parking tickets. In San Francisco, he’s hardly alone

But even if all goes well on the regional measure, Muni would be left with a massive budget hole.

But even if all goes well on the regional measure, Muni would be left with a massive budget hole.

BART bucks downtown decline with ridership spikes at central San Francisco stations

Muni lines cut, parking meters raised: Inside the MTA’s bad-news budget

‘No one wants to watch the puppy drown’: Inside Muni’s furious race to save itself

Bay Area transit gets $747M lifeline, but there’s a catch for BART and Muni

Sex ed and coffee: San Francisco’s Wicked Grounds closes cafe

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BART bucks downtown decline with ridership spikes at central San Francisco stations

Muni lines cut, parking meters raised: Inside the MTA’s bad-news budget

‘No one wants to watch the puppy drown’: Inside Muni’s furious race to save itself

Bay Area transit gets $747M lifeline, but there’s a catch for BART and Muni

Sex ed and coffee: San Francisco’s Wicked Grounds closes cafe