Max Harrison-Caldwell

Garrett Leahy

It’s no secret in San Francisco that you can walk onto the bus without paying. Plenty of people do it — the indigent and homeless who can’t afford the fare, yes, but also professionals with healthy salaries.&nbsp;

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<p>It’s no secret in San Francisco that you can walk onto the bus without paying. Plenty of people do it — the indigent and homeless who can’t afford the fare, yes, but also professionals with healthy salaries.&nbsp;</p>

“I don’t pay,” said a 35-year-old man wearing an orange puffy vest and clutching a beige shoulder bag and a banana. The man said he earns $75,000 working for an Oakland-based climate nonprofit. “Muni should be free, to make it accessible.”

<p>“I don’t pay,” said a 35-year-old man wearing an orange puffy vest and clutching a beige shoulder bag and a banana. The man said he earns $75,000 working for an Oakland-based climate nonprofit. “Muni should be free, to make it accessible.”</p>

A 25-year-old research associate for a Google-owned subsidiary who also earns $75,000 a year said she almost never pays the fare.&nbsp;

<p>A 25-year-old research associate for a Google-owned subsidiary who also earns $75,000 a year said she almost never pays the fare.&nbsp;</p>

“I’d say 99% of the time, I just walk on,” she said, adding that she saw everyone else doing it when she moved to the city three years ago. “It’s like a San Francisco thing, I guess.”

<p>“I’d say 99% of the time, I just walk on,” she said, adding that she saw everyone else doing it when she moved to the city three years ago. “It’s like a San Francisco thing, I guess.”</p>

In one of the world’s most expensive cities, a $75,000 salary hardly makes you rich (in fact, it’s below the average). But even doctors are occasional fare-dodgers here. An SF General pediatrician earning $170,000 a year said she only just started paying for every ride.

<p>In one of the world’s most expensive cities, a $75,000 salary hardly makes you rich (in fact, it’s below the average). But even doctors are occasional fare-dodgers here. An SF General pediatrician earning $170,000 a year said she only just started paying for every ride.</p>

“Just when they started enforcing again,” she said. “But before, I’d pay maybe 80% of the time.”

<p>“Just when they started enforcing again,” she said. “But before, I’d pay maybe 80% of the time.”</p>

San Francisco Municipal Transit Agency (SFMTA) fare enforcement officer Veronica Lujan checks whether Muni riders have paid their fare as riders get on and off along its route in San Francisco on Thursday, December 5, 2024. SFMTA is hiring new enforcement to battle fare evasion which the agency reports is on the rise.


<figure class="wp-block-image alignfull size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241203-munifareevasion-me-20.jpg?w=2500" alt="A bus interior shows a police officer speaking with a seated woman holding a card. Nearby, a man in a furry jacket and baseball cap grips a patterned bag." class="wp-image-339776"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Enforcement officer Veronica Lujan checks whether Muni riders have paid their fare.</figcaption></figure>


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<figure class="wp-block-image alignfull size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241203-munifareevasion-me-20.jpg?w=2500" alt="A bus interior shows a police officer speaking with a seated woman holding a card. Nearby, a man in a furry jacket and baseball cap grips a patterned bag." class="wp-image-339776"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Enforcement officer Veronica Lujan checks whether Muni riders have paid their fare.</figcaption></figure>

The doctor&#8217;s reason for skipping the fare was more politeness than protest: “Just when someone was standing in front of where you tap,” she said.

<p>The doctor's reason for skipping the fare was more politeness than protest: “Just when someone was standing in front of where you tap,” she said.</p>

<p>The doctor&#8217;s reason for skipping the fare was more politeness than protest: “Just when someone was standing in front of where you tap,” she said.</p>

These riders, who spoke on the condition of anonymity for obvious reasons, account for a tiny fraction of the San Franciscans who don’t always pay.

<p>These riders, who spoke on the condition of anonymity for obvious reasons, account for a tiny fraction of the San Franciscans who don’t always pay.</p>

In an attempt to crack down, the transit bosses announced in May that they would hire 35 new Muni cops. So far, they have hired nine. It’s just one of the mitigating efforts to combat <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/22/muni-fiscal-cliff-daniel-lurie-transportation-bart/">a raging financial crisis</a> that could result in the loss of routes.

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

<p>In an attempt to crack down, the transit bosses announced in May that they would hire 35 new Muni cops. So far, they have hired nine. It’s just one of the mitigating efforts to combat <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/22/muni-fiscal-cliff-daniel-lurie-transportation-bart/">a raging financial crisis</a> that could result in the loss of routes.</p>

Residents fume over city plan to cut back free parking

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SFMTA scrambles to fight ‘misinformation’ amid intensified transit debate

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Muni cops, or “fare enforcement officers,” earn a starting salary of around $81,000 a year. SFMTA would not provide full hiring costs, the number of citations officers have issued this year or in any previous year, or how much money the agency makes from fines. It also did not provide an estimated cost to the agency of fare evasion, which is likely difficult to track.

<p>Muni cops, or “fare enforcement officers,” earn a starting salary of around $81,000 a year. SFMTA would not provide full hiring costs, the number of citations officers have issued this year or in any previous year, or how much money the agency makes from fines. It also did not provide an estimated cost to the agency of fare evasion, which is likely difficult to track.</p>

Still, transit boss Jeffrey Tumlin said the cost of fare evasion is “rather small.”

<p>Still, transit boss Jeffrey Tumlin said the cost of fare evasion is “rather small.”</p>

“Losses from downtown parking garages have been much more impactful,” he said, noting that there is a 25% parking tax in SFMTA-run parking garages.&nbsp;

<p>“Losses from downtown parking garages have been much more impactful,” he said, noting that there is a 25% parking tax in SFMTA-run parking garages.&nbsp;</p>

Tumlin said fare evasion has increased from 12% in 2019 to 20% this year (the agency’s estimates are based on “financial analysis” of fare revenue and ridership data), but the problem appears worse than it is because tapping a Clipper card is not the only way to pay.&nbsp;

<p>Tumlin said fare evasion has increased from 12% in 2019 to 20% this year (the agency’s estimates are based on “financial analysis” of fare revenue and ridership data), but the problem appears worse than it is because tapping a Clipper card is not the only way to pay.&nbsp;</p>

“The fact that we’ve made it so easy to pay has created a perception problem,” Tumlin said. “People expect this theater of everyone tapping on, and people feel outraged.”

<p>“The fact that we’ve made it so easy to pay has created a perception problem,” Tumlin said. “People expect this theater of everyone tapping on, and people feel outraged.”</p>


<figure class="wp-block-image alignfull size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241203-munifareevasion-me-9.jpg?w=2500" alt="A transit officer speaks with an older woman holding a coffee on a bus. Other passengers, including a mask-wearing person, are in the background." class="wp-image-339785"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Transit officials say fare evasion has increased from 12% in 2019 to 20% this year, according to their “financial analysis” of fare revenue and ridership data.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image alignfull size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241203-munifareevasion-me-9.jpg?w=2500" alt="A transit officer speaks with an older woman holding a coffee on a bus. Other passengers, including a mask-wearing person, are in the background." class="wp-image-339785"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Transit officials say fare evasion has increased from 12% in 2019 to 20% this year, according to their “financial analysis” of fare revenue and ridership data.</figcaption></figure>

Another challenge is that fare evasion appears to be ingrained in the culture of SF living, showing up in viral TikToks.&nbsp;

<p>Another challenge is that fare evasion appears to be ingrained in the culture of SF living, showing up in viral TikToks.&nbsp;</p>

“Why would I sweat my eyebrows off in my apartment when I could take my free bus to the park and sweat my eyebrows off there?” Tasha Malan asked in a <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@theedoodlebop/video/7421354826069593387">video</a> that garnered more than 100,000 views during the October heatwave.&nbsp;

<p>“Why would I sweat my eyebrows off in my apartment when I could take my free bus to the park and sweat my eyebrows off there?” Tasha Malan asked in a <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@theedoodlebop/video/7421354826069593387">video</a> that garnered more than 100,000 views during the October heatwave.&nbsp;</p>

But the Mission resident was later caught by ticket enforcers, leading to another popular <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@theedoodlebop/video/7429545768039484715?_r=1&amp;_t=8qrI1iKxm15">TikTok</a> post.

<p>But the Mission resident was later caught by ticket enforcers, leading to another popular <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@theedoodlebop/video/7429545768039484715?_r=1&amp;_t=8qrI1iKxm15">TikTok</a> post.</p>

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<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-tiktok wp-block-embed-tiktok"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.tiktok.com/@theedoodlebop/video/7429545768039484715?_r=1&amp;_t=8qrI1iKxm15
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<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@tasha.malan/video/7429545768039484715" data-video-id="7429545768039484715" data-embed-from="oembed" style="max-width:605px; min-width:325px;"> <section> <a target="_blank" title="@tasha.malan" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@tasha.malan?refer=embed">@tasha.malan</a> <p>FINE yall win this time😔 <a title="sf" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/sf?refer=embed">#sf</a> <a title="sanfrancisco" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/sanfrancisco?refer=embed">#sanfrancisco</a> </p> <a target="_blank" title="♬ original sound - tasha.malan" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7429545701719231275?refer=embed">♬ original sound &#8211; tasha.malan</a> </section> </blockquote> <script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>

“I was so nervous about posting my TikTok in the first place because I was like, I’m literally a criminal right now, airing my shit out on the internet,” she told The Standard by phone, laughing.&nbsp;

<p>“I was so nervous about posting my TikTok in the first place because I was like, I’m literally a criminal right now, airing my shit out on the internet,” she told The Standard by phone, laughing.&nbsp;</p>

Malan said she could have jumped off the bus or refused to show ID — as the comments on her video attest, fare enforcement officers cannot detain anybody — but decided to pay out of a sense of karmic debt.

<p>Malan said she could have jumped off the bus or refused to show ID — as the comments on her video attest, fare enforcement officers cannot detain anybody — but decided to pay out of a sense of karmic debt.</p>

“My conscience was like, you already talked about it on the internet, girl. Just accept your fate,” Malan said. “But I really love using the bus. At the end of the day, it’s very impressive how many people in San Francisco actually enjoy using the bus, because not every city can say that.”

<p>“My conscience was like, you already talked about it on the internet, girl. Just accept your fate,” Malan said. “But I really love using the bus. At the end of the day, it’s very impressive how many people in San Francisco actually enjoy using the bus, because not every city can say that.”</p>

Still, she wouldn’t mind not having to worry about Muni cops.

<p>Still, she wouldn’t mind not having to worry about Muni cops.</p>

“It would be really awesome if SF could make it free,” Malan said.

<p>“It would be really awesome if SF could make it free,” Malan said.</p>

San Francisco Municipal Transit Agency (SFMTA) fare enforcement officers Linn Myo, left, and patrol the entrance of a Muni bus to check whether onboarding riders pay their fare in San Francisco on Thursday, December 5, 2024. SFMTA is hiring new enforcement to battle fare evasion which the agency reports is on the rise.


<figure class="wp-block-image alignfull size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241203-munifareevasion-me-12.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two uniformed officers are standing on a bus, surrounded by seated and standing passengers. Bright yellow handrails and overhead ads are visible." class="wp-image-339780"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Riders who cannot provide proof of payment are issued $130 citations.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image alignfull size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241203-munifareevasion-me-12.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two uniformed officers are standing on a bus, surrounded by seated and standing passengers. Bright yellow handrails and overhead ads are visible." class="wp-image-339780"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Riders who cannot provide proof of payment are issued $130 citations.</figcaption></figure>

Veronica Lujan says when she became a fare enforcement officer in 1999, an estimated two-thirds of riders didn’t pay the fare. Back then, people created fake paper tickets or disguised their day passes as monthlies. But with the Clipper card, that’s no longer possible.

<p>Veronica Lujan says when she became a fare enforcement officer in 1999, an estimated two-thirds of riders didn’t pay the fare. Back then, people created fake paper tickets or disguised their day passes as monthlies. But with the Clipper card, that’s no longer possible.</p>

The Standard rode along with Lujan on Thursday as she led a team of officers policing fares on the 49 Van Ness and 14 Mission buses. When they encountered riders who could not provide proof, they issued citations, each of which comes with a $130 fine.&nbsp;

<p>The Standard rode along with Lujan on Thursday as she led a team of officers policing fares on the 49 Van Ness and 14 Mission buses. When they encountered riders who could not provide proof, they issued citations, each of which comes with a $130 fine.&nbsp;</p>

Officers cited a woman named Carolina at Mission and 16th streets and gave her a flyer advertising in Spanish income-based reduced fare programs.

<p>Officers cited a woman named Carolina at Mission and 16th streets and gave her a flyer advertising in Spanish income-based reduced fare programs.</p>

“Racists,” an onlooker said in Spanish.

<p>“Racists,” an onlooker said in Spanish.</p>

Carolina told The Standard the citation was her first. Officer Gabriel Campos said SFMTA waives fees for most first-time offenders if they enroll in an income-based program. The agency also offers a program for seniors to ride for free, but they aren’t enrolled automatically.

<p>Carolina told The Standard the citation was her first. Officer Gabriel Campos said SFMTA waives fees for most first-time offenders if they enroll in an income-based program. The agency also offers a program for seniors to ride for free, but they aren’t enrolled automatically.</p>

On another bus, officers cited an older woman who said she was homeless.

<p>On another bus, officers cited an older woman who said she was homeless.</p>

“They just harass you,” she told The Standard afterward, adding that officers should leave older and unhoused riders alone. The woman confirmed she was not enrolled in the program that allows seniors to ride for free.&nbsp;

<p>“They just harass you,” she told The Standard afterward, adding that officers should leave older and unhoused riders alone. The woman confirmed she was not enrolled in the program that allows seniors to ride for free.&nbsp;</p>

The only group that enjoys complete immunity is minors, who have ridden for free since 2021. When officers see someone who appears to be under 18, they just ask them their age and move on.&nbsp;

<p>The only group that enjoys complete immunity is minors, who have ridden for free since 2021. When officers see someone who appears to be under 18, they just ask them their age and move on.&nbsp;</p>

San Francisco Municipal Transit Agency (SFMTA) fare enforcement officer Gabriel Campos, center, issues a citation for fare evasion to a Muni rider in the Mission District in San Francisco on Thursday, December 5, 2024. SFMTA is hiring new enforcement to battle fare evasion which the agency reports is on the rise.


<figure class="wp-block-image alignfull size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241203-munifareevasion-me-16.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman with a handbag stands in an outdoor area as two uniformed officers, surrounded by people, speak with her and show her papers." class="wp-image-339777"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">SFMTA waives fees for most first-time offenders if they enroll in an income-based program. The agency also offers a program for seniors to ride for free, but they aren’t enrolled automatically.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image alignfull size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241203-munifareevasion-me-16.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman with a handbag stands in an outdoor area as two uniformed officers, surrounded by people, speak with her and show her papers." class="wp-image-339777"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">SFMTA waives fees for most first-time offenders if they enroll in an income-based program. The agency also offers a program for seniors to ride for free, but they aren’t enrolled automatically.</figcaption></figure>

Back on the bus Thursday morning, a man in his 60s vented frustration at the orange-vested climate activist who proudly dodged the fare.

<p>Back on the bus Thursday morning, a man in his 60s vented frustration at the orange-vested climate activist who proudly dodged the fare.</p>

“It makes my blood boil to see people who have the means and don’t pay,” he said. “The transit system is in a financial crisis, and he obviously doesn’t understand the consequences of his actions.”

<p>“It makes my blood boil to see people who have the means and don’t pay,” he said. “The transit system is in a financial crisis, and he obviously doesn’t understand the consequences of his actions.”</p>

‘I just walk on’: The people with good jobs who skip paying on Muni

The Standard Staff

Dozens of Billie Eilish fans packed Caltrain No. 522 from San Francisco to San Jose to attend the singer&#8217;s sold-out concert Tuesday night at the SAP Center.

<p>Dozens of Billie Eilish fans packed Caltrain No. 522 from San Francisco to San Jose to attend the singer's sold-out concert Tuesday night at the SAP Center.</p>

<p>Dozens of Billie Eilish fans packed Caltrain No. 522 from San Francisco to San Jose to attend the singer&#8217;s sold-out concert Tuesday night at the SAP Center.</p>

Eilish partnered with the transit agency to run the &#8220;Billie Car,&#8221; which featured her official merch and Caltrain swag. The &#8220;Birds of a Feather&#8221; singer has focused on promoting sustainability during her tour by encouraging fans to walk, bike, or use public transit to get to her shows.

<p>Eilish partnered with the transit agency to run the "Billie Car," which featured her official merch and Caltrain swag. The "Birds of a Feather" singer has focused on promoting sustainability during her tour by encouraging fans to walk, bike, or use public transit to get to her shows.</p>

<p>Eilish partnered with the transit agency to run the &#8220;Billie Car,&#8221; which featured her official merch and Caltrain swag. The &#8220;Birds of a Feather&#8221; singer has focused on promoting sustainability during her tour by encouraging fans to walk, bike, or use public transit to get to her shows.</p>

Fans told The Standard that if it weren&#8217;t for Eilish, they probably wouldn&#8217;t have taken the train to San Jose.

<p>Fans told The Standard that if it weren't for Eilish, they probably wouldn't have taken the train to San Jose.</p>

<p>Fans told The Standard that if it weren&#8217;t for Eilish, they probably wouldn&#8217;t have taken the train to San Jose.</p>

&#8220;We were about to drive, actually,&#8221; said Sahar Esmaeeli, &#8220;and then we decided to take the train.&#8221;

<p>"We were about to drive, actually," said Sahar Esmaeeli, "and then we decided to take the train."</p>

<p>&#8220;We were about to drive, actually,&#8221; said Sahar Esmaeeli, &#8220;and then we decided to take the train.&#8221;</p>

Another fan, Stefan Swaans, said he rarely takes Caltrain and decided to because of Eilish.

<p>Another fan, Stefan Swaans, said he rarely takes Caltrain and decided to because of Eilish.</p>

&#8220;She probably got a lot of people to take public transit,&#8221; Swaans said. &#8220;I really like that she’s using her concert and her fan base to do something good for the environment. It’s awesome.&#8221;

<p>"She probably got a lot of people to take public transit," Swaans said. "I really like that she’s using her concert and her fan base to do something good for the environment. It’s awesome."</p>

<p>&#8220;She probably got a lot of people to take public transit,&#8221; Swaans said. &#8220;I really like that she’s using her concert and her fan base to do something good for the environment. It’s awesome.&#8221;</p>

Stefan Swaans shows off his “Boytoy” necklace while waiting for his arrival at San Jose from the San Francisco station on King and 4th Street on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. Billie Eilish fans can travel to her concert in San Jose this week in style aboard Caltrain's themed "Billie Car." This special car will be on Train 522, departing from the San Francisco station at Fourth and King streets at 5:19 p.m. on Tuesday, December 10, which is the first night of the "Birds of a Feather" singer's two-show run at SAP Center.


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241012-billcaltrain_00177_tv.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person is making a playful face, holding a necklace with a green charm against a blue bead chain. They're wearing a star-patterned jacket." class="wp-image-342472"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">&#8220;It&#8217;s just because of Billie,&#8221; Stefan Swaans said of taking Caltrain to SAP Center Tuesday night.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241012-billcaltrain_00177_tv.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person is making a playful face, holding a necklace with a green charm against a blue bead chain. They're wearing a star-patterned jacket." class="wp-image-342472"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">"It's just because of Billie," Stefan Swaans said of taking Caltrain to SAP Center Tuesday night.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241012-billcaltrain_00177_tv.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person is making a playful face, holding a necklace with a green charm against a blue bead chain. They're wearing a star-patterned jacket." class="wp-image-342472"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">&#8220;It&#8217;s just because of Billie,&#8221; Stefan Swaans said of taking Caltrain to SAP Center Tuesday night.</figcaption></figure>

Kiera Moore, left, shows off her merchandise to Meghan Moore, right, in the Billie Eilish themed Caltrain while waiting for their arrival at San Jose from the San Francisco station on King and 4th Street on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. Billie Eilish fans can travel to her concert in San Jose this week in style aboard Caltrain's themed "Billie Car." This special car will be on Train 522, departing from the San Francisco station at Fourth and King streets at 5:19 p.m. on Tuesday, December 10, which is the first night of the "Birds of a Feather" singer's two-show run at SAP Center.


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241012-billcaltrain_00303_tv.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people, some standing and some sitting, are in a train compartment. One person holds a plastic-wrapped shirt, and some are wearing Santa hats." class="wp-image-342486"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kiera Moore shows off a T-shirt she won on the &#8220;Billie Car.&#8221;</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241012-billcaltrain_00303_tv.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people, some standing and some sitting, are in a train compartment. One person holds a plastic-wrapped shirt, and some are wearing Santa hats." class="wp-image-342486"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kiera Moore shows off a T-shirt she won on the "Billie Car."</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241012-billcaltrain_00303_tv.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people, some standing and some sitting, are in a train compartment. One person holds a plastic-wrapped shirt, and some are wearing Santa hats." class="wp-image-342486"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kiera Moore shows off a T-shirt she won on the &#8220;Billie Car.&#8221;</figcaption></figure>

Christine Collaco shows off her Billie Eilish merch as she rides the Caltrain while waiting for their arrival at San Jose from the San Francisco station on King and 4th Street on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. Billie Eilish fans can travel to her concert in San Jose this week in style aboard Caltrain's themed "Billie Car." This special car will be on Train 522, departing from the San Francisco station at Fourth and King streets at 5:19 p.m. on Tuesday, December 10, which is the first night of the "Birds of a Feather" singer's two-show run at SAP Center.


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241012-billcaltrain_00213_tv.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person standing in a hallway lifts a red jacket to reveal a black shirt with &quot;BILLIE&quot; printed in red. They're wearing a Santa hat and glasses." class="wp-image-342477"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Christine Collaco jumped at the opportunity to take the &#8220;Billie Car&#8221; to Eilish&#8217;s concert. &#8220;Any form of public transportation or anything that&#8217;s friendly to the environment I&#8217;m all for. I&#8217;m all in.&#8221;</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241012-billcaltrain_00213_tv.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person standing in a hallway lifts a red jacket to reveal a black shirt with &quot;BILLIE&quot; printed in red. They're wearing a Santa hat and glasses." class="wp-image-342477"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Christine Collaco jumped at the opportunity to take the "Billie Car" to Eilish's concert. "Any form of public transportation or anything that's friendly to the environment I'm all for. I'm all in."</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241012-billcaltrain_00213_tv.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person standing in a hallway lifts a red jacket to reveal a black shirt with &quot;BILLIE&quot; printed in red. They're wearing a Santa hat and glasses." class="wp-image-342477"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Christine Collaco jumped at the opportunity to take the &#8220;Billie Car&#8221; to Eilish&#8217;s concert. &#8220;Any form of public transportation or anything that&#8217;s friendly to the environment I&#8217;m all for. I&#8217;m all in.&#8221;</figcaption></figure>

Riders listen to a Caltrain employee’s trivia question for the chance to win a prize as they wait for their arrival at San Jose from the San Francisco station on King and 4th Street on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. Billie Eilish fans can travel to her concert in San Jose this week in style aboard Caltrain's themed "Billie Car." This special car will be on Train 522, departing from the San Francisco station at Fourth and King streets at 5:19 p.m. on Tuesday, December 10, which is the first night of the "Birds of a Feather" singer's two-show run at SAP Center.


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241012-billcaltrain_00220_tv.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people are sitting and standing inside a decorated train carriage, chatting and laughing. The shelves above hold bags, and the space feels lively and festive." class="wp-image-342479"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Riders listen to a Caltrain employee’s trivia question for the chance to win Eilish merch.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241012-billcaltrain_00220_tv.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people are sitting and standing inside a decorated train carriage, chatting and laughing. The shelves above hold bags, and the space feels lively and festive." class="wp-image-342479"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Riders listen to a Caltrain employee’s trivia question for the chance to win Eilish merch.</figcaption></figure>

Michael Ligier throws a thumbs up in excitement for the arrival of the Billie Eilish themed Caltrain at the San Francisco station on King and 4th Street on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. Billie Eilish fans can travel to her concert in San Jose this week in style aboard Caltrain's themed "Billie Car." This special car will be on Train 522, departing from the San Francisco station at Fourth and King streets at 5:19 p.m. on Tuesday, December 10, which is the first night of the "Birds of a Feather" singer's two-show run at SAP Center.


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241012-billcaltrain_00070_tv.jpg?w=2500" alt="A smiling person wearing a black sweater with yellow graphic faces gives two thumbs up. They are standing indoors with people around and glass doors behind them." class="wp-image-342455"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Michael Ligier had no idea about the partnership until he boarded. &#8220;I&#8217;m all about not using cars &#8230; so I&#8217;m glad she&#8217;s doing an initiative like this.&#8221;</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241012-billcaltrain_00070_tv.jpg?w=2500" alt="A smiling person wearing a black sweater with yellow graphic faces gives two thumbs up. They are standing indoors with people around and glass doors behind them." class="wp-image-342455"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Michael Ligier had no idea about the partnership until he boarded. "I'm all about not using cars ... so I'm glad she's doing an initiative like this."</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241012-billcaltrain_00070_tv.jpg?w=2500" alt="A smiling person wearing a black sweater with yellow graphic faces gives two thumbs up. They are standing indoors with people around and glass doors behind them." class="wp-image-342455"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Michael Ligier had no idea about the partnership until he boarded. &#8220;I&#8217;m all about not using cars &#8230; so I&#8217;m glad she&#8217;s doing an initiative like this.&#8221;</figcaption></figure>

Riders exit the Billie Eilish themed Caltrain at the San Jose Caltrain Station on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. Billie Eilish fans can travel to her concert in San Jose this week in style aboard Caltrain's themed "Billie Car." This special car will be on Train 522, departing from the San Francisco station at Fourth and King streets at 5:19 p.m. on Tuesday, December 10, which is the first night of the "Birds of a Feather" singer's two-show run at SAP Center.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="2500" width="1667" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241012-billcaltrain_00318_tv.jpg?w=1667" alt="A group of young adults, dressed in trendy outfits, are exiting a train. They appear to be heading out for an event, carrying bags and looking lively." class="wp-image-342487"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Eilish fans exit the Caltrain in San Jose.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241012-billcaltrain_00318_tv.jpg?w=1667" alt="A group of young adults, dressed in trendy outfits, are exiting a train. They appear to be heading out for an event, carrying bags and looking lively." class="wp-image-342487"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Eilish fans exit the Caltrain in San Jose.</figcaption></figure>

Kyla Retzloff waits for the Billie Eilish themed Caltrain to leave to San Jose from the San Francisco station on King and 4th Street on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. Billie Eilish fans can travel to her concert in San Jose this week in style aboard Caltrain's themed "Billie Car." This special car will be on Train 522, departing from the San Francisco station at Fourth and King streets at 5:19 p.m. on Tuesday, December 10, which is the first night of the "Birds of a Feather" singer's two-show run at SAP Center.


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img height="1666" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241012-billcaltrain_00096_tv.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person with long, braided blond hair and glasses makes a peace sign while sitting in a seat, wearing a patterned sweater." class="wp-image-342456"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kyla Retzloff takes Caltrain not only to concerts but to work: &#8220;It&#8217;s by far the most convenient, easiest way to travel.&#8221;</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241012-billcaltrain_00096_tv.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person with long, braided blond hair and glasses makes a peace sign while sitting in a seat, wearing a patterned sweater." class="wp-image-342456"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kyla Retzloff takes Caltrain not only to concerts but to work: "It's by far the most convenient, easiest way to travel."</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241012-billcaltrain_00096_tv.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person with long, braided blond hair and glasses makes a peace sign while sitting in a seat, wearing a patterned sweater." class="wp-image-342456"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kyla Retzloff takes Caltrain not only to concerts but to work: &#8220;It&#8217;s by far the most convenient, easiest way to travel.&#8221;</figcaption></figure>

Ethan Pantaleon, left, and Claudia Jose, right laugh together while waiting for their arrival at San Jose from the San Francisco station on King and 4th Street on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. Billie Eilish fans can travel to her concert in San Jose this week in style aboard Caltrain's themed "Billie Car." This special car will be on Train 522, departing from the San Francisco station at Fourth and King streets at 5:19 p.m. on Tuesday, December 10, which is the first night of the "Birds of a Feather" singer's two-show run at SAP Center.


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241012-billcaltrain_00193_tv.jpg?w=2500" alt="Several people are on a train, chatting and using phones. A staircase leads to an upper level where a gold “B” balloon is visible." class="wp-image-342474"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Eilish promotes sustainability during her tour by encouraging fans to walk, bike, or use public transit to get to venues.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241012-billcaltrain_00193_tv.jpg?w=2500" alt="Several people are on a train, chatting and using phones. A staircase leads to an upper level where a gold “B” balloon is visible." class="wp-image-342474"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Eilish promotes sustainability during her tour by encouraging fans to walk, bike, or use public transit to get to venues.</figcaption></figure>

Photos: Billie Eilish stans ride a special Caltrain to San Jose concert

Kevin Truong

It took about an hour for anyone to notice the absurdist ads slyly placed on screens Monday at BART’s Powell station. But then came the discovery, a handful of social media posts, and the surge of a delightful viral phenomenon that has lit up group chats across the city.

<p>It took about an hour for anyone to notice the absurdist ads slyly placed on screens Monday at BART’s Powell station. But then came the discovery, a handful of social media posts, and the surge of a delightful viral phenomenon that has lit up group chats across the city.</p>

<a href="https://sftransit.fun/">“Which Line Are You?”</a> is an online personality quiz that takes respondents through a night out in San Francisco to determine which of 16 transit lines they identify with. The results, which correspond to a <a href="https://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/the-16-mbti-personality-types/">Myers–Briggs type</a>, range from the 49-Van Ness-Mission to BART’s Yellow Line to the Lyft bike-share program.&nbsp;

<p><a href="https://sftransit.fun/">“Which Line Are You?”</a> is an online personality quiz that takes respondents through a night out in San Francisco to determine which of 16 transit lines they identify with. The results, which correspond to a <a href="https://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/the-16-mbti-personality-types/">Myers–Briggs type</a>, range from the 49-Van Ness-Mission to BART’s Yellow Line to the Lyft bike-share program.&nbsp;</p>

The anonymous nature of the project had some questioning if there was an AI data-scraping effort at play. Or maybe the SF Municipal Transportation Agency was using scarce tax dollars to fund what amounts to a silly game. A Reddit user wondered if it was a backdoor ad for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/07/09/youtube-skater-san-francisco-powerful-scientologist/">Scientology</a>.

&#8216;He&#8217;s in another realm&#8217;: How a skate media mogul became SF&#8217;s most powerful Scientologist

<p>The anonymous nature of the project had some questioning if there was an AI data-scraping effort at play. Or maybe the SF Municipal Transportation Agency was using scarce tax dollars to fund what amounts to a silly game. A Reddit user wondered if it was a backdoor ad for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/07/09/youtube-skater-san-francisco-powerful-scientologist/">Scientology</a>.</p>

Noah Finer, the 24-year-old developer and self-professed “train enjoyer” behind the project, emphatically denies that it’s a profit-making enterprise. Rather, he says, it’s an effort to inject a little whimsy into the world.

<p>Noah Finer, the 24-year-old developer and self-professed “train enjoyer” behind the project, emphatically denies that it’s a profit-making enterprise. Rather, he says, it’s an effort to inject a little whimsy into the world.</p>

“There’s a lot of stuff out there that’s made for shareholders or getting statistics or numbers up,” Finer said. “I’m just excited that I had the opportunity to make something that I enjoyed playing and other people enjoyed playing.”

<p>“There’s a lot of stuff out there that’s made for shareholders or getting statistics or numbers up,” Finer said. “I’m just excited that I had the opportunity to make something that I enjoyed playing and other people enjoyed playing.”</p>

Finer moved to San Francisco three years ago and found a connection to the transit enthusiasts who dot the region. One of his most frequently worn pieces of clothing is a Muni beanie with the agency’s iconic <a href="https://themunistore.com/blogs/news/theworm">worm logo</a>.

<p>Finer moved to San Francisco three years ago and found a connection to the transit enthusiasts who dot the region. One of his most frequently worn pieces of clothing is a Muni beanie with the agency’s iconic <a href="https://themunistore.com/blogs/news/theworm">worm logo</a>.</p>

Muni, SFMTA, San Francisco Municipal Transit Agency, BART, personality quiz, Noah Finer, bus
Cole Valley resident and Figma employee Noah Finer hops off a bus at a Market Street Muni stop in San Francisco on Friday, July 11, 2025. Meet the transit nerd behind that viral Muni personality quiz.

A foot injury left the avid outdoorsman laid up for a few months at the beginning of the year, a break that provided time for him to dream up a game that’s now been played tens of thousands of times.&nbsp;

<p>A foot injury left the avid outdoorsman laid up for a few months at the beginning of the year, a break that provided time for him to dream up a game that’s now been played tens of thousands of times.&nbsp;</p>

Inspired by similar projects online — including the <a href="https://typeofyou.alltheway.tw/en/">Find Out Your Type of Peeps</a> quiz created for the Taiwan Design Expo and a <a href="https://www.cake.me/campaigns/what-cake-r-u?locale=en">CakeResume</a> quiz —&nbsp;Finer decided to create a version focused on his local interests.&nbsp;

<p>Inspired by similar projects online — including the <a href="https://typeofyou.alltheway.tw/en/">Find Out Your Type of Peeps</a> quiz created for the Taiwan Design Expo and a <a href="https://www.cake.me/campaigns/what-cake-r-u?locale=en">CakeResume</a> quiz —&nbsp;Finer decided to create a version focused on his local interests.&nbsp;</p>

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That kicked off a four-month development process for the amateur artist to draw, write, and program a site featuring animated people that “didn’t look horrifying.” His girlfriend helped consult on San Francisco-specific references to snowy plovers, Marcella&#8217;s Lasagneria, and Golden Gate Park coyotes.&nbsp;

<p>That kicked off a four-month development process for the amateur artist to draw, write, and program a site featuring animated people that “didn’t look horrifying.” His girlfriend helped consult on San Francisco-specific references to snowy plovers, Marcella's Lasagneria, and Golden Gate Park coyotes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>That kicked off a four-month development process for the amateur artist to draw, write, and program a site featuring animated people that “didn’t look horrifying.” His girlfriend helped consult on San Francisco-specific references to snowy plovers, Marcella&#8217;s Lasagneria, and Golden Gate Park coyotes.&nbsp;</p>

But Finer admits the process for matching specific personalities to transit lines was less scientific and more based on “aura.”

<p>But Finer admits the process for matching specific personalities to transit lines was less scientific and more based on “aura.”</p>

Muni, SFMTA, San Francisco Municipal Transit Agency, BART, personality quiz, Noah Finer, bus
Cole Valley resident and Figma employee Noah Finer poses for a portrait at a Market Street Muni stop in San Francisco on Friday, July 11, 2025. Meet the transit nerd behind that viral Muni personality quiz.

To market his project, he looked into billboards or wrapping a Muni bus, but that was tens of thousands of dollars beyond his price range. His one-week ad in the BART station was on brand for a transit quiz — and a somewhat reasonable $1,200.

<p>To market his project, he looked into billboards or wrapping a Muni bus, but that was tens of thousands of dollars beyond his price range. His one-week ad in the BART station was on brand for a transit quiz — and a somewhat reasonable $1,200.</p>

“In a world where the ads on BART are marketing the Chase Sapphire Reserve card or WhatsApp, I feel like it’s cool to have some vibes-based software to show that you can still have fun in this world,” Finer said.&nbsp;

<p>“In a world where the ads on BART are marketing the Chase Sapphire Reserve card or WhatsApp, I feel like it’s cool to have some vibes-based software to show that you can still have fun in this world,” Finer said.&nbsp;</p>

Financial assistance was provided in part by Francisco San, the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/04/05/francisco-san-secretive-funder-behind-city-events/">anonymous fairy godmother</a> of SF fringe culture who has doled out cash for projects ranging from scavenger hunts to a pooping robot dog.

An anonymous AI engineer is funding the city&#8217;s oddest events

<p>Financial assistance was provided in part by Francisco San, the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/04/05/francisco-san-secretive-funder-behind-city-events/">anonymous fairy godmother</a> of SF fringe culture who has doled out cash for projects ranging from scavenger hunts to a pooping robot dog.</p>

As for which line Finer is? The Cole Valley resident said he’s burned out from taking all the test versions of the quiz and can’t go through the selection without bias.&nbsp;

<p>As for which line Finer is? The Cole Valley resident said he’s burned out from taking all the test versions of the quiz and can’t go through the selection without bias.&nbsp;</p>

“Aspirationally, I’d like to be the N,” he said with a laugh. 

<p>“Aspirationally, I’d like to be the N,” he said with a laugh. </p>

Meet the transit nerd behind that viral BART and Muni personality quiz

Morgan Ellis

Tomoki Chien

Bay Area transit agencies had been praying for a new transit tax that promised to save them from dire financial straits. But lawmakers pulled the plug on the bill BART and Muni had been banking on—amid growing opposition.

<p>Bay Area transit agencies had been praying for a new transit tax that promised to save them from dire financial straits. But lawmakers pulled the plug on the bill BART and Muni had been banking on—amid growing opposition. </p>

Now, the transit operators will have to wait at least another year before a new effort to save the cash-strapped systems can be launched.

<p>Now, the transit operators will have to wait at least another year before a new effort to save the cash-strapped systems can be launched.</p>

State Sens. Scott Weiner (D-San Francisco) and Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), the bill’s authors, promised to introduce new legislation in 2025. The bill would’ve gone to voters on the 2026 ballot.

<p>State Sens. Scott Weiner (D-San Francisco) and Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), the bill’s authors, promised to introduce new legislation in 2025. The bill would’ve gone to voters on the 2026 ballot.</p>

If approved, SB 1031 would’ve authorized the Bay Area’s nine counties to levy a slew of taxes to keep their public transit agencies afloat. The bill aimed to raise $1.5 billion annually for up to 30 years.

<p>If approved, SB 1031 would’ve authorized the Bay Area’s nine counties to levy a slew of taxes to keep their public transit agencies afloat. The bill aimed to raise $1.5 billion annually for up to 30 years.</p>

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‘I just walk on’: The people with good jobs who skip paying on Muni

Photos: Billie Eilish stans ride a special Caltrain to San Jose concert

Meet the transit nerd behind that viral BART and Muni personality quiz

BART, Muni in serious trouble as transit tax axed—for now

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