Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

It’s perhaps the worst kind of multiple-choice question: In what way do you want Muni service to get worse?

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It’s perhaps the worst kind of multiple-choice question: In what way do you want Muni service to get worse?

That’s the decision before the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency’s board, as a looming $322 million budget shortfall prompts the directors to choose which Muni lines to take behind the barn and shoot.

That’s the decision before the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency’s board, as a looming $322 million budget shortfall prompts the directors to choose which Muni lines to take behind the barn and shoot.

Muni service could be cut some 4% in the coming months under various scenarios, as the SFMTA considers how to close a $50 million budget gap by July, the start of fiscal 2025-26. The funding dilemma comes from all corners: inflation, plummeting parking fees, fewer people heading downtown, fewer people riding Muni altogether, and exhausted federal and state relief.

Muni service could be cut some 4% in the coming months under various scenarios, as the SFMTA considers how to close a $50 million budget gap by July, the start of fiscal 2025-26. The funding dilemma comes from all corners: inflation, plummeting parking fees, fewer people heading downtown, fewer people riding Muni altogether, and exhausted federal and state relief.

“San Francisco’s transportation system is in crisis. We’re facing a severe budget shortfall,” SFMTA spokesperson Erica Kato wrote in a recent blog post. “We could face devastating cuts to Muni and other critical transportation programs. These changes would affect everyone, whether you walk, bike, drive, or take Muni.”

“San Francisco’s transportation system is in crisis. We’re facing a severe budget shortfall,” SFMTA spokesperson Erica Kato wrote in a recent blog post. “We could face devastating cuts to Muni and other critical transportation programs. These changes would affect everyone, whether you walk, bike, drive, or take Muni.”

Transit riders aren’t the only ones who may lose out with service cuts. Maintaining Muni service is <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/01/24/san-francisco-public-transportation-funding-road-tolls-uber-waymo/">vital to downtown’s economic recovery</a>, Mayor Daniel Lurie’s transportation policy chief, Alicia John-Baptiste, has said publicly.

Muni and BART are on life support. Here are the taxes you might pay to save them

Transit riders aren’t the only ones who may lose out with service cuts. Maintaining Muni service is <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/01/24/san-francisco-public-transportation-funding-road-tolls-uber-waymo/">vital to downtown’s economic recovery</a>, Mayor Daniel Lurie’s transportation policy chief, Alicia John-Baptiste, has said publicly.

The proposed cuts, revealed Thursday for discussion at an SFMTA board meeting next week, would affect a wide swath of San Francisco.

The proposed cuts, revealed Thursday for discussion at an SFMTA board meeting next week, would affect a wide swath of San Francisco.

There are three service-reduction scenarios.

There are three service-reduction scenarios.

Scenario 1: Reducing routes that have a parallel bus service nearby. Affected routes would include:

Scenario 1: Reducing routes that have a parallel bus service nearby. Affected routes would include:

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>2-Sutter</li>



<li>6-Haight/Parnassus</li>



<li>21-Hayes</li>



<li>31-Balboa</li>



<li>55-Dogpatch</li>
</ul>

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<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>2-Sutter</li><li>6-Haight/Parnassus</li><li>21-Hayes</li><li>31-Balboa</li><li>55-Dogpatch</li></ul>

Some bus lines would be extended to cover for the cut routes, including shifting the 52-Excelsior from Forest Hill Station and the 66-Quintara to cover Parnassus. Service on some routes known as &#8220;connectors,” like the 36-Terisita, would end at 7 p.m. Muni Metro would lose four hours of service, running from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. instead of 5 a.m. to midnight.

Some bus lines would be extended to cover for the cut routes, including shifting the 52-Excelsior from Forest Hill Station and the 66-Quintara to cover Parnassus. Service on some routes known as "connectors,” like the 36-Terisita, would end at 7 p.m. Muni Metro would lose four hours of service, running from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. instead of 5 a.m. to midnight.

Some bus lines would be extended to cover for the cut routes, including shifting the 52-Excelsior from Forest Hill Station and the 66-Quintara to cover Parnassus. Service on some routes known as &#8220;connectors,” like the 36-Terisita, would end at 7 p.m. Muni Metro would lose four hours of service, running from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. instead of 5 a.m. to midnight.

Scenario 2: The routes mentioned above would be preserved, but “connector” routes like the 35, 36, 37, 39, 52, 55, 56, 57, 58, 66, and 67 would run less frequently — every 45 minutes, instead of every 30.

Scenario 2: The routes mentioned above would be preserved, but “connector” routes like the 35, 36, 37, 39, 52, 55, 56, 57, 58, 66, and 67 would run less frequently — every 45 minutes, instead of every 30.

The following lines would see the number of stops scaled back or less frequent service:

The following lines would see the number of stops scaled back or less frequent service:

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>5-Fulton</li>



<li>5R-Fulton Rapid</li>



<li>9-San Bruno</li>



<li>9R-San Bruno Rapid</li>



<li>14-Mission</li>



<li>14R-Mission Rapid</li>



<li>28-19th Avenue</li>



<li>28R-19th Avenue Rapid</li>



<li>38-Geary</li>
</ul>

<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>5-Fulton</li><li>5R-Fulton Rapid</li><li>9-San Bruno</li><li>9R-San Bruno Rapid</li><li>14-Mission</li><li>14R-Mission Rapid</li><li>28-19th Avenue</li><li>28R-19th Avenue Rapid</li><li>38-Geary</li></ul>

Scenario 3: Some routes would be suspended.

Scenario 3: Some routes would be suspended.

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>2-Sutter</li>



<li>21-Hayes</li>



<li>55-Dogpatch</li>
</ul>

<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>2-Sutter</li><li>21-Hayes</li><li>55-Dogpatch</li></ul>

The 28 19th Avenue would lose some neighborhood service from its route, but service would be maintained systemwide in what the SFMTA calls equity neighborhoods; essentially, those with low-income households, people of color, seniors, and people with disabilities. “Connector” buses would run every 45 minutes, instead of every 20.

The 28 19th Avenue would lose some neighborhood service from its route, but service would be maintained systemwide in what the SFMTA calls equity neighborhoods; essentially, those with low-income households, people of color, seniors, and people with disabilities. “Connector” buses would run every 45 minutes, instead of every 20.

These cuts aren’t the only options. SFMTA is considering raising revenue <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/01/24/san-francisco-public-transportation-funding-road-tolls-uber-waymo/">in a number of ways</a>, including charging Uber and Amazon drivers for curb space, raising parking fees, and creating express toll roads. Two bond measures, one citywide and another regional, are also being considered but won’t be enough to close the gaps on their own.

These cuts aren’t the only options. SFMTA is considering raising revenue <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/01/24/san-francisco-public-transportation-funding-road-tolls-uber-waymo/">in a number of ways</a>, including charging Uber and Amazon drivers for curb space, raising parking fees, and creating express toll roads. Two bond measures, one citywide and another regional, are also being considered but won’t be enough to close the gaps on their own.

SFMTA’s cuts come at a precarious time, as Muni ridership is recovering: Weekday boardings are at 75% of pre-pandemic levels and 92% of weekend levels. Transit officials have sounded the alarm before that cutting service can harm ridership recovery, creating a transit “<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2021/07/28/sfmta-warns-of-death-spiral-as-supervisors-push-for-full-service-restoration/">death spiral</a>.”

SFMTA warns of ‘death spiral’ as supervisors push for full service restoration

SFMTA’s cuts come at a precarious time, as Muni ridership is recovering: Weekday boardings are at 75% of pre-pandemic levels and 92% of weekend levels. Transit officials have sounded the alarm before that cutting service can harm ridership recovery, creating a transit “<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2021/07/28/sfmta-warns-of-death-spiral-as-supervisors-push-for-full-service-restoration/">death spiral</a>.”

Some previously approved Muni cuts are set to take effect Saturday: the 24-Divisadero, 38-Geary, and 43-Masonic lines will all run less frequently. The K-Ingleside and M-Ocean View will run one-car trains on weekends, and the 30X Marina Express will operate once again in the morning, but not for the evening commute. Other Muni routes will <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/muni-service-changes-february-1-2025">lose stops</a> to make them run more efficiently.

Some previously approved Muni cuts are set to take effect Saturday: the 24-Divisadero, 38-Geary, and 43-Masonic lines will all run less frequently. The K-Ingleside and M-Ocean View will run one-car trains on weekends, and the 30X Marina Express will operate once again in the morning, but not for the evening commute. Other Muni routes will <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/muni-service-changes-february-1-2025">lose stops</a> to make them run more efficiently.

Don’t worry, you can weigh in on the doom and gloom. City officials are asking for public input on the budget crisis via a <a href="https://www.sf.gov/muni-funding-working-group">Muni Funding Working Group</a>. Final decisions on exactly what limbs Muni will hack off are expected by March 18.

Don’t worry, you can weigh in on the doom and gloom. City officials are asking for public input on the budget crisis via a <a href="https://www.sf.gov/muni-funding-working-group">Muni Funding Working Group</a>. Final decisions on exactly what limbs Muni will hack off are expected by March 18.

San Francisco might cut these Muni routes to save $50M

Joel Umanzor

BART officials hope to launch a pilot program before the end of 2024 that would offer riders free or reduced fare when they transfer to and from other transit agencies around the region.

BART officials hope to launch a pilot program before the end of 2024 that would offer riders free or reduced fare when they transfer to and from other transit agencies around the region.

Rebecca Saltzman, a member of BART&#8217;s Board of Directors, said the move is aimed at relieving some of the costs riders face when using multiple transit operators and is part of a broader project between the region&#8217;s 20-plus transit agencies and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) to consolidate fare payments.

Rebecca Saltzman, a member of BART's Board of Directors, said the move is aimed at relieving some of the costs riders face when using multiple transit operators and is part of a broader project between the region's 20-plus transit agencies and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) to consolidate fare payments.

Rebecca Saltzman, a member of BART&#8217;s Board of Directors, said the move is aimed at relieving some of the costs riders face when using multiple transit operators and is part of a broader project between the region&#8217;s 20-plus transit agencies and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) to consolidate fare payments.

&#8220;This is just one of those projects that we are hoping to see up by the end of the year,&#8221; Saltzman told The Standard.

"This is just one of those projects that we are hoping to see up by the end of the year," Saltzman told The Standard.

&#8220;This is just one of those projects that we are hoping to see up by the end of the year,&#8221; Saltzman told The Standard.

She added that the agency hopes to put the program in place when the <a href="https://www.futureofclipper.com/">new Clipper payment system</a>, which will allow riders to pay with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/11/clipper-card-upgrade-awaits-bart-riders-next-year/">a tap of their credit or debit card</a>, launches in either the summer or fall.

Here&#8217;s when you can tap your credit card on BART and Muni

She added that the agency hopes to put the program in place when the <a href="https://www.futureofclipper.com/">new Clipper payment system</a>, which will allow riders to pay with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/11/clipper-card-upgrade-awaits-bart-riders-next-year/">a tap of their credit or debit card</a>, launches in either the summer or fall.

A rider who taps their Clipper card and uses it for a bus ride or another rail system would save up to $2.50 for their BART trip as long as they use it within two hours of their first tap.

A rider who taps their Clipper card and uses it for a bus ride or another rail system would save up to $2.50 for their BART trip as long as they use it within two hours of their first tap.

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/22/bart-corruption-jacobs-shimmick-cec-transbay-tube/">Three BART Contractors Implicated in Fraud Scheme for Transbay Tube Work</a>

Three BART contractors implicated in fraud scheme for Transbay Tube work

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/22/bart-corruption-jacobs-shimmick-cec-transbay-tube/">Three BART Contractors Implicated in Fraud Scheme for Transbay Tube Work</a>

&#8220;Having the transfer discount will make a difference for those using more than one agency,&#8221; Saltzman said. &#8220;I live in the East Bay and take AC Transit to get to BART and then take Muni in San Francisco. It adds up real quickly.&#8221;

"Having the transfer discount will make a difference for those using more than one agency," Saltzman said. "I live in the East Bay and take AC Transit to get to BART and then take Muni in San Francisco. It adds up real quickly."

&#8220;Having the transfer discount will make a difference for those using more than one agency,&#8221; Saltzman said. &#8220;I live in the East Bay and take AC Transit to get to BART and then take Muni in San Francisco. It adds up real quickly.&#8221;

The pilot program, which is expected to run for 18 to 24 months, will be funded mostly through $22 million from the MTC. Transit agencies will pay for the first $0.50 of discount, while the MTC will fund the rest.

The pilot program, which is expected to run for 18 to 24 months, will be funded mostly through $22 million from the MTC. Transit agencies will pay for the first $0.50 of discount, while the MTC will fund the rest.

For the reduced transfer discount to become a reality, transit agencies&#8217; boards will need to vote on an agreement to join the pilot program. A decision could come as early as next month.

For the reduced transfer discount to become a reality, transit agencies' boards will need to vote on an agreement to join the pilot program. A decision could come as early as next month.

For the reduced transfer discount to become a reality, transit agencies&#8217; boards will need to vote on an agreement to join the pilot program. A decision could come as early as next month.

&#8220;From our board comments today, it is pretty clear that we will sign off to join it,&#8221; she said. &#8220;I think most, if not all the rest, will join it too.&#8221;

"From our board comments today, it is pretty clear that we will sign off to join it," she said. "I think most, if not all the rest, will join it too."

&#8220;From our board comments today, it is pretty clear that we will sign off to join it,&#8221; she said. &#8220;I think most, if not all the rest, will join it too.&#8221;

BART riders could soon transfer to Muni for free. Here’s how

Josh Koehn

Express toll roads and congestion pricing during peak commute times. Curbs that force Uber and Amazon drivers to pay up instead of double-parking for free. Heftier neighborhood parking fees for anyone who enters the city.&nbsp;

Express toll roads and congestion pricing during peak commute times. Curbs that force Uber and Amazon drivers to pay up instead of double-parking for free. Heftier neighborhood parking fees for anyone who enters the city.&nbsp;

These are just some of the extreme, long-term, every-idea-is-a-good-idea proposals to stave off <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/22/muni-fiscal-cliff-daniel-lurie-transportation-bart/">San Francisco’s transportation apocalypse</a> as the city’s transit agency stares down the barrel of a $322 million deficit starting next year. Conversations on these approaches will take place next week, according to <a href="https://media.api.sf.gov/documents/Muni_Funding_Working_Group_January_23_-_Funding_Options_Handout.pdf">newly released city documents</a>.

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

These are just some of the extreme, long-term, every-idea-is-a-good-idea proposals to stave off <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/22/muni-fiscal-cliff-daniel-lurie-transportation-bart/">San Francisco’s transportation apocalypse</a> as the city’s transit agency stares down the barrel of a $322 million deficit starting next year. Conversations on these approaches will take place next week, according to <a href="https://media.api.sf.gov/documents/Muni_Funding_Working_Group_January_23_-_Funding_Options_Handout.pdf">newly released city documents</a>.

Ahead of that, city officials and concerned residents on Thursday held the more sober of two public brainstorming sessions to figure out how to prevent massive cutbacks in service by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency and BART.

Ahead of that, city officials and concerned residents on Thursday held the more sober of two public brainstorming sessions to figure out how to prevent massive cutbacks in service by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency and BART.

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/01/06/san-francisco-transportation-climate-chief-alicia-john-baptiste/">Alicia John-Baptiste</a>, an incoming policy chief in the Lurie administration who will be overseeing SFMTA operations, laid out the stakes in stark terms.

San Francisco’s new transportation boss is a powerful nonprofit exec

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/01/06/san-francisco-transportation-climate-chief-alicia-john-baptiste/">Alicia John-Baptiste</a>, an incoming policy chief in the Lurie administration who will be overseeing SFMTA operations, laid out the stakes in stark terms.

“The question that we are grappling with right now is not only critical to Muni, but critical to the future of San Francisco,” John-Baptiste said. “I think most of us in this room understand that Muni truly is the lifeblood of this city. There is no economic recovery without Muni. We don&#8217;t meet our social and environmental goals without Muni. So, understanding how we get to a sustainable solution is of utmost importance.”

“The question that we are grappling with right now is not only critical to Muni, but critical to the future of San Francisco,” John-Baptiste said. “I think most of us in this room understand that Muni truly is the lifeblood of this city. There is no economic recovery without Muni. We don't meet our social and environmental goals without Muni. So, understanding how we get to a sustainable solution is of utmost importance.”

“The question that we are grappling with right now is not only critical to Muni, but critical to the future of San Francisco,” John-Baptiste said. “I think most of us in this room understand that Muni truly is the lifeblood of this city. There is no economic recovery without Muni. We don&#8217;t meet our social and environmental goals without Muni. So, understanding how we get to a sustainable solution is of utmost importance.”

The first and most necessary step to rescuing SFMTA will involve two ballot measures in 2026: one citywide, and one that is regional, across four counties. Both could involve sales and/or parcel taxes. But that funding wouldn’t be enough to save Muni lines from being cut and keep BART running later into the night.

The first and most necessary step to rescuing SFMTA will involve two ballot measures in 2026: one citywide, and one that is regional, across four counties. Both could involve sales and/or parcel taxes. But that funding wouldn’t be enough to save Muni lines from being cut and keep BART running later into the night.

The shortfall comes from a variety of factors, including rising operating costs, lower ridership, and a nosedive in revenue from citywide parking since the pandemic.

The shortfall comes from a variety of factors, including rising operating costs, lower ridership, and a nosedive in revenue from citywide parking since the pandemic.

BART patrons wait to board the final SFO train departing on the left from Bay Point station on Sunday, June 30, 2013. Negotiations between BART and its unions broke down late Sunday evening, June 30, 2013, in Oakland, Calif., almost assuring a strike by Monday morning. (Photo By Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/gettyimages-1408881007.jpg?w=2500" alt="A dimly lit train station platform at night features two trains on opposite sides, people walking, and signs above. An escalator descends to the platform level." class="wp-image-358566"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">BART service in and out of San Francisco could be cut back if transit officials are unable to raise revenue through a variety of proposed measures.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/gettyimages-1408881007.jpg?w=2500" alt="A dimly lit train station platform at night features two trains on opposite sides, people walking, and signs above. An escalator descends to the platform level." class="wp-image-358566"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">BART service in and out of San Francisco could be cut back if transit officials are unable to raise revenue through a variety of proposed measures.</figcaption></figure>

Presentations from city officials and comments from concerned residents Thursday focused on the ballot measures, as well as ideas to extend operating hours for parking meters to 10 p.m. or on Sundays. Other ideas included a $25 million annual tax on ride-hailing companies like Uber, Lyft, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/11/san-francisco-robotaxi-cruise-debauchery/">Waymo</a>, which passed in November via Proposition L but was invalidated by a broader tax reform measure, Prop. M; new private and public parking taxes; and tax hikes on cell phone communications and utilities.

San Franciscans are having sex in robotaxis, and nobody is talking about it

Presentations from city officials and comments from concerned residents Thursday focused on the ballot measures, as well as ideas to extend operating hours for parking meters to 10 p.m. or on Sundays. Other ideas included a $25 million annual tax on ride-hailing companies like Uber, Lyft, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/11/san-francisco-robotaxi-cruise-debauchery/">Waymo</a>, which passed in November via Proposition L but was invalidated by a broader tax reform measure, Prop. M; new private and public parking taxes; and tax hikes on cell phone communications and utilities.

Officials aren’t sugarcoating just how calamitous the SFMTA deficit could be for San Francisco’s economy if the public transportation system is forced to substantially scale back. The number of visitors to the city would drop, leading to a trickle-down effect on the bottom lines of restaurants and other small businesses. Commuting workers would also have a harder time getting in and out of the city.

Officials aren’t sugarcoating just how calamitous the SFMTA deficit could be for San Francisco’s economy if the public transportation system is forced to substantially scale back. The number of visitors to the city would drop, leading to a trickle-down effect on the bottom lines of restaurants and other small businesses. Commuting workers would also have a harder time getting in and out of the city.

“It clearly would be a serious negative shock to the city’s economy if Muni was forced to make draconian cuts to service,” said Ted Egan, the city’s chief economist. “There is literally no way to fill downtown with commuters unless you have public transit.”

“It clearly would be a serious negative shock to the city’s economy if Muni was forced to make draconian cuts to service,” said Ted Egan, the city’s chief economist. “There is literally no way to fill downtown with commuters unless you have public transit.”

State Sen. Scott Wiener, who authored SB 63 to put a regional ballot measure in front of voters in San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Mateo counties, said elected officials and residents are waking up to the “existential threat” to transportation services caused by historic underfunding and pandemic-related revenue declines.&nbsp;

State Sen. Scott Wiener, who authored SB 63 to put a regional ballot measure in front of voters in San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Mateo counties, said elected officials and residents are waking up to the “existential threat” to transportation services caused by historic underfunding and pandemic-related revenue declines.&nbsp;

“We must act boldly and with urgency to prevent major service cuts, which could include ending BART weekend service, hourly BART trains, and eliminating a number of Muni bus lines entirely,” Wiener said.

“We must act boldly and with urgency to prevent major service cuts, which could include ending BART weekend service, hourly BART trains, and eliminating a number of Muni bus lines entirely,” Wiener said.

Some of the most controversial long-term ideas, which wouldn’t go into effect until 2029 or later, will be discussed Jan. 31. The proposals include:

Some of the most controversial long-term ideas, which wouldn’t go into effect until 2029 or later, will be discussed Jan. 31. The proposals include:

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>A visitor parking fee for drivers who enter San Francisco that would be higher than rates residents pay and could create more than $100 million a year.</li>
</ul>

A visitor parking fee for drivers who enter San Francisco that would be higher than rates residents pay and could create more than $100 million a year.

<li>A visitor parking fee for drivers who enter San Francisco that would be higher than rates residents pay and could create more than $100 million a year.</li>

<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>A visitor parking fee for drivers who enter San Francisco that would be higher than rates residents pay and could create more than $100 million a year.</li></ul>

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Pay-to-go, express-style lanes and congestion pricing at peak hours that could generate as much as $20 million a year.</li>
</ul>

Pay-to-go, express-style lanes and congestion pricing at peak hours that could generate as much as $20 million a year.

<li>Pay-to-go, express-style lanes and congestion pricing at peak hours that could generate as much as $20 million a year.</li>

<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Pay-to-go, express-style lanes and congestion pricing at peak hours that could generate as much as $20 million a year.</li></ul>

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Curb fees for ride-hailing companies and delivery drivers for short-term parking that could garner $12 million a year.</li>
</ul>

Curb fees for ride-hailing companies and delivery drivers for short-term parking that could garner $12 million a year.

<li>Curb fees for ride-hailing companies and delivery drivers for short-term parking that could garner $12 million a year.</li>

<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Curb fees for ride-hailing companies and delivery drivers for short-term parking that could garner $12 million a year.</li></ul>

George Kelly

A fatal crash early Thursday disrupted BART service for hours in the East Bay after an SUV broke through barriers and blocked both sets of tracks near the Pittsburg/Bay Point station.

A fatal crash early Thursday disrupted BART service for hours in the East Bay after an SUV broke through barriers and blocked both sets of tracks near the Pittsburg/Bay Point station.

The collision occurred around 3:45 a.m., approximately 100 feet south of the station, BART said in a statement. First responders confirmed that a person inside the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene.

The collision occurred around 3:45 a.m., approximately 100 feet south of the station, BART said in a statement. First responders confirmed that a person inside the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene.

The dark-colored SUV had barreled through a chain-link fence, according to <a href="https://www.ktvu.com/video/1581563">KTVU</a>.

The dark-colored SUV had barreled through a chain-link fence, according to <a href="https://www.ktvu.com/video/1581563">KTVU</a>.

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<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://twitter.com/SFBARTalert/status/1882404320525594775
</div></figure>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">BART service has stopped between North Concord/Martinez and Antioch due to a vehicle intrusion in the trackway near Pittsburg/Baypoint station. Passengers should seek alternate transportation for service between Antioch and North Concord/Martinez stations.&mdash; BART Alert (@SFBARTalert) <a href="https://twitter.com/SFBARTalert/status/1882404320525594775?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The California Highway Patrol is investigating how the SUV careened from Highway 4 onto the train tracks.

The California Highway Patrol is investigating how the SUV careened from Highway 4 onto the train tracks.

&#8220;Officers located a vehicle that had traveled off of the eastbound side of the freeway and came to rest on the westbound side of the freeway,&#8221; the CHP said in a statement. &#8220;During the crash, the vehicle came in contact with [BART] tracks.&#8221;

"Officers located a vehicle that had traveled off of the eastbound side of the freeway and came to rest on the westbound side of the freeway," the CHP said in a statement. "During the crash, the vehicle came in contact with [BART] tracks."

&#8220;Officers located a vehicle that had traveled off of the eastbound side of the freeway and came to rest on the westbound side of the freeway,&#8221; the CHP said in a statement. &#8220;During the crash, the vehicle came in contact with [BART] tracks.&#8221;

She was pushed to her death on BART. Now her family is suing the train operator

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9 injured as BART train derails and catches fire, causes major delays

Where do BART trains go when they die?

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Service between the North Concord and Antioch stations was halted until approximately 7:30 a.m. due to damage to the third rail and other parts of the track. BART warned that travelers on the yellow line would encounter 20-minute delays.

Service between the North Concord and Antioch stations was halted until approximately 7:30 a.m. due to damage to the third rail and other parts of the track. BART warned that travelers on the yellow line would encounter 20-minute delays.

The Pittsburg/Bay Point Station was closed while officials made repairs and investigated the crash.

The Pittsburg/Bay Point Station was closed while officials made repairs and investigated the crash.

Two eastbound lanes of Highway 4 were closed near Bailey Road due to the investigation but reopened around 7:30 a.m.

Two eastbound lanes of Highway 4 were closed near Bailey Road due to the investigation but reopened around 7:30 a.m.

This story will be updated.

SUV crashes onto BART tracks; 1 is dead

Han Li

Amid increasingly contentious transportation debates, San Francisco&#8217;s transit chief has decided to step down after five years in City Hall.

Amid increasingly contentious transportation debates, San Francisco's transit chief has decided to step down after five years in City Hall.

Amid increasingly contentious transportation debates, San Francisco&#8217;s transit chief has decided to step down after five years in City Hall.

Jeff Tumlin, the director of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, is expected to announce his departure next week at the SFMTA board meeting.

Jeff Tumlin, the director of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, is expected to announce his departure next week at the SFMTA board meeting.

&#8220;The opportunity to serve the city is the greatest honor in my life,&#8221; Tumlin said in a phone call Thursday afternoon. &#8220;We have made great progress and achieved more than we expected, including a more frequent and reliable Muni.&#8221;

"The opportunity to serve the city is the greatest honor in my life," Tumlin said in a phone call Thursday afternoon. "We have made great progress and achieved more than we expected, including a more frequent and reliable Muni."

&#8220;The opportunity to serve the city is the greatest honor in my life,&#8221; Tumlin said in a phone call Thursday afternoon. &#8220;We have made great progress and achieved more than we expected, including a more frequent and reliable Muni.&#8221;

Tumlin was appointed in 2019 by Mayor London Breed. Before that, he was director of strategy at Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates, a transportation planning and engineering firm. He also worked in Oakland&#8217;s transportation department.

Tumlin was appointed in 2019 by Mayor London Breed. Before that, he was director of strategy at Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates, a transportation planning and engineering firm. He also worked in Oakland's transportation department.

Tumlin was appointed in 2019 by Mayor London Breed. Before that, he was director of strategy at Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates, a transportation planning and engineering firm. He also worked in Oakland&#8217;s transportation department.

Tumlin said he will take a &#8220;nice long sabbatical.&#8221;

Tumlin said he will take a "nice long sabbatical."

Tumlin said he will take a &#8220;nice long sabbatical.&#8221;

According to SFMTA data, under Tumlin&#8217;s administration, major subway delays were down 76%, and short delays were down 89%. Muni has the highest customer rating in 20 years, with 72% of riders rating the system as excellent or good. Tumlin also touted that he had reduced crashes involving pedestrians by 32% and crashes involving bikes by 33% on streets where the SFMTA has installed Quick Builds.

According to SFMTA data, under Tumlin's administration, major subway delays were down 76%, and short delays were down 89%. Muni has the highest customer rating in 20 years, with 72% of riders rating the system as excellent or good. Tumlin also touted that he had reduced crashes involving pedestrians by 32% and crashes involving bikes by 33% on streets where the SFMTA has installed Quick Builds.

According to SFMTA data, under Tumlin&#8217;s administration, major subway delays were down 76%, and short delays were down 89%. Muni has the highest customer rating in 20 years, with 72% of riders rating the system as excellent or good. Tumlin also touted that he had reduced crashes involving pedestrians by 32% and crashes involving bikes by 33% on streets where the SFMTA has installed Quick Builds.

However, in recent years, conflicts between motorists and advocates for public transit, pedestrians, and bicyclists have intensified, as residents who rely on cars have increasingly complained that city transportation planners have ignored their concerns. Many of those criticisms have been directed at Tumlin.

However, in recent years, conflicts between motorists and advocates for public transit, pedestrians, and bicyclists have intensified, as residents who rely on cars have increasingly complained that city transportation planners have ignored their concerns. Many of those criticisms have been directed at Tumlin.

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&#8220;This is a time of tremendous division,&#8221; Tumlin acknowledged.

"This is a time of tremendous division," Tumlin acknowledged.

&#8220;This is a time of tremendous division,&#8221; Tumlin acknowledged.

City leadership praised his work, noting the challenges of running the cash-strapped transit agency.

City leadership praised his work, noting the challenges of running the cash-strapped transit agency.

&#8220;Jeff has been a leader in building infrastructure, improving Muni operations, and making the hard decisions necessary for our city as we grow,&#8221; said Breed. &#8220;Change can be hard, but Jeff was not afraid to make those decisions necessary to allow people to move safely and efficiently across this city.&#8221;

"Jeff has been a leader in building infrastructure, improving Muni operations, and making the hard decisions necessary for our city as we grow," said Breed. "Change can be hard, but Jeff was not afraid to make those decisions necessary to allow people to move safely and efficiently across this city."

&#8220;Jeff has been a leader in building infrastructure, improving Muni operations, and making the hard decisions necessary for our city as we grow,&#8221; said Breed. &#8220;Change can be hard, but Jeff was not afraid to make those decisions necessary to allow people to move safely and efficiently across this city.&#8221;

State Sen. Scott Wiener, an outspoken advocate for public transit, thanked Tumlin for his service to the city.

State Sen. Scott Wiener, an outspoken advocate for public transit, thanked Tumlin for his service to the city.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Jeff Tumlin for his service to the people of San Francisco and for his forward-looking approach to our transportation system,&#8221; Wiener said. &#8220;I’ve been a daily Muni rider for 27 years, and under Jeff’s leadership, Muni is better than it’s ever been during that time period.”

“I’m incredibly grateful to Jeff Tumlin for his service to the people of San Francisco and for his forward-looking approach to our transportation system," Wiener said. "I’ve been a daily Muni rider for 27 years, and under Jeff’s leadership, Muni is better than it’s ever been during that time period.”

“I’m incredibly grateful to Jeff Tumlin for his service to the people of San Francisco and for his forward-looking approach to our transportation system,&#8221; Wiener said. &#8220;I’ve been a daily Muni rider for 27 years, and under Jeff’s leadership, Muni is better than it’s ever been during that time period.”

The SFMTA board will soon start a process to find the next chief. The current director overseeing Muni, Julie Kirschbaum, will serve as interim SFMTA director.

The SFMTA board will soon start a process to find the next chief. The current director overseeing Muni, Julie Kirschbaum, will serve as interim SFMTA director.

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