The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) released a proposal to extend its regulation of private commuter shuttles after the 18-month pilot program ends.
“With our pilot, shuttles are stopping at fewer places and conflicts with Muni buses are down,” SFMTA’s Paul Rose said. “This is smart regulation that will make our streets work better for everyone. Our new proposal will take large buses off residential streets and keep them on bigger streets designed for those types of vehicles.”
The program will build upon the pilot in a number of ways, including using newer vehicles, increasing enforcement resources, making the service more efficient during disruptions, and requiring shuttle operators to certify they are in labor harmony. The program will base the shuttles around locations that were successes during the pilot period.
As the SFMTA extends the program, it will provide a better idea on how to make the shuttles as efficient as possible to reduce congestion, cut pollution and improve quality of life.
“Shuttles already keep about 8,000 one-way car trips a day off our roads, reducing traffic and greenhouse gas emissions,” Rose said. “Our program proposal will require that the shuttle fleets lower greenhouse gas emissions even further. The program aligns with our city’s values: it’s good for the environment, it supports transit, it’s data-driven and it promotes fair labor practices.”
A community meeting to inform the public with details about the proposed changes and answer any questions they may have on Wednesday. More information can be found at www.sfmta.com/commutershuttles.
