SFMTA vision unveils comprehensive transit service restoration plans for early 2022

Public transportation advocates received a significant boost during a recent San Francisco County government meeting, where officials discussed plans to restore and improve transit services. The meeting highlighted the importance of community voices in shaping public transportation, with gratitude expressed to various advocacy groups, including Japantown for Justice and the Fillmore Merchant and Neighborhood Collaborative.

Chair of the SFMTA Board, Gwyneth Borton, emphasized the board's commitment to expanding service and engaging in ongoing community dialogue. She acknowledged the challenges posed by the pandemic, including staffing shortages and funding issues, but reassured attendees of their dedication to restoring reliable service. "We are really trying to take a balanced approach," Borton stated, underscoring the need for both restoration and improvement of public transit.

Director of Transportation Jeff Tumlin and Director of Transit Julie Kirschbaum presented a detailed plan for service restoration, aiming for early 2022. Kirschbaum noted that while ridership is currently at about 50% of pre-pandemic levels, weekend ridership has shown promising recovery, nearing 60%. She highlighted the importance of restoring key routes, particularly for vulnerable populations, and outlined the need for additional funding to sustain these efforts.

The meeting also addressed the impact of the city's vaccination mandate on staffing, revealing that 95% of SFMTA employees are fully vaccinated. However, the mandate has led to some operational challenges, with approximately 110 operators currently unavailable for service. Kirschbaum assured that the agency is actively working to mitigate these gaps and is optimistic about hiring new staff to enhance service delivery.

As the SFMTA prepares for a winter service expansion, the focus remains on restoring essential routes and improving connections for residents. The community's input has been invaluable in shaping these plans, and officials are committed to ensuring that public transportation meets the needs of all San Franciscans. The anticipated outcomes from this meeting signal a renewed effort to enhance the city's transit system, fostering greater accessibility and equity in public transportation.