Bus Ridership Improving, More Improvements Arriving Soon in San Francisco

Rachel Swan reports on planned improvements to Muni bus service in San Francisco. "Over the next few months, riders should see a difference on such popular lines as the 7-Haight/Noriega, where the agency is adding right-turn pockets and technology to help buses breeze through traffic signals. Construction has started on the 38-Geary Rapid, which will offer train-like service along a “red carpet” lane that stretches west from downtown."

"Other plans focus on low-income neighborhoods such as the Tenderloin, where residents have long endured the sluggish pace and zigzag path of the 27-Bryant. Muni will sharpen the route this fall by shuffling bus stops and eliminating turns, a simple redesign that could cut travel times north of Market Street from 45 minutes to 40," according to Swan.

The changes are the result of the Muni Forward initiative that Planetizen has checked on semi-frequently since 2014. According to Swan, bus service is getting "faster and smoother" on the Muni bus system, "even as the subway breaks down."