SFMTA adjusts 23 bus route and plans for greater transit service restoration by January

San Francisco's public transportation system is set to undergo significant changes as the city prepares for the upcoming school year. During a recent meeting, officials from the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) outlined modifications to key bus routes, particularly the 23 and 29 lines, which are crucial for students commuting to schools like Lowell High School.

The 23 Monterey route will be rerouted to West Portal, requiring students to transfer to the M Line for access. This change, while aimed at improving service efficiency, will result in a slightly longer walk for students—approximately 0.5 miles from the new M Line stop compared to the previous 0.4 miles from the 23 route. Officials acknowledged that the 23 route has historically had low ridership during school hours, prompting the need for adjustments.

Looking ahead, SFMTA plans to conduct a service restoration round in January 2026, with public discussions scheduled for late summer. This will include considerations for restoring routes like the 21 Hayes and introducing the 29 Rapid, which students have advocated for to enhance service frequency and speed.

The Youth Transit Advisory Board (YTAB) has been established to ensure that student voices are included in transportation planning. While initial discussions with YTAB have yet to take place, officials expressed their commitment to incorporating student feedback into future service changes.

Concerns about student safety on public transportation were also raised, particularly in light of recent incidents of violence. Officials emphasized that the focus of fare inspections is not on students but rather on providing assistance and information about fare payment. They acknowledged the need for improved safety measures and communication to ensure students feel secure while traveling.

In response to questions about the accessibility of route information, SFMTA representatives assured parents that updates would be made available on their website, including real-time tracking through apps like Google Maps and Nextbus. They encouraged collaboration with parents to enhance the clarity and usability of this information.

As the city navigates the complexities of restoring public transit services post-pandemic, officials remain focused on addressing community needs and ensuring that students have reliable access to education. The upcoming changes reflect a commitment to improving transit equity and responsiveness to the voices of young commuters.